Governor Newsom Urges Californians to Avoid Chevron Amid High Gas Prices
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California Governor Gavin Newsom advises residents to steer clear of Chevron stations over Memorial Day weekend, citing elevated fuel costs and attributing them to the company's pricing strategies.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has called on residents to avoid refueling at Chevron gas stations during the upcoming Memorial Day weekend, attributing the state's elevated fuel prices to the company's pricing practices. In a statement posted Thursday on X, Newsom's office highlighted that unbranded gasoline, which originates from the same refineries and meets identical state standards, is available at lower prices. The governor's office referenced an analysis indicating that Chevron's prices average 60 to 80 cents per gallon higher than unbranded alternatives.
This appeal comes as Chevron has displayed signs at its California stations attributing high fuel costs to state climate policies. The signs include a QR code directing consumers to a webpage advocating for "affordable, reliable energy." Chevron spokesperson Ross Allen stated that the signage is part of a three-year campaign aimed at educating customers about the impact of state policies on fuel prices.
As of May 22, the average price for regular gasoline in California stands at $6.131 per gallon, significantly higher than the national average of $4.552, according to the American Automobile Association. The state's fuel prices are influenced by factors such as high state taxes and stringent environmental regulations.
Governor Newsom has previously implemented measures to address fuel costs, including legislation allowing the state's energy commission to penalize oil companies for excessive profits. However, the enforcement of these penalties has been postponed until 2030.