Newsom tells Californians to avoid Chevron because of high gas prices
AP News • • business
Key Points:
- California Gov. Gavin Newsom urged drivers not to buy gas at Chevron stations over Memorial Day weekend, accusing the company of charging significantly higher prices than unbranded alternatives despite sourcing from the same refineries.
- Chevron responded with signs at California gas stations blaming the state's climate policies for high gas prices, highlighting the state's high gas taxes and promoting a campaign to educate consumers on price impacts.
- The average gas price in California is $6.14 per gallon, about $1.58 above the national average, influenced by factors including the state's 70-cent-per-gallon gas tax and global energy disruptions from the Iran war.
- Newsom has implemented policies to penalize oil companies for excess profits, but enforcement was delayed until 2030 following refinery closures, which have intensified debates over the impact of California’s climate policies on fuel prices.
- Chevron's pricing and political influence have become contentious issues in California’s governor race, with climate activist Tom Steyer criticizing Democrat Xavier Becerra for accepting campaign contributions from the oil company.