Newsom's office warns Californians to avoid Chevron this holiday weekend, citing high gas prices

Key Points:

• California Gov. Gavin Newsom urged drivers not to buy gas at Chevron stations over Memorial Day weekend, accusing the company of charging 60 to 80 cents more per gallon than unbranded alternatives, based on a state energy commission analysis.
• Chevron responded by blaming California's climate policies for high gas prices, posting signs at stations and running a campaign to educate consumers about the impact of state regulations and taxes, which include the highest gas tax in the country at about 70 cents per gallon.
• The dispute occurs amid rising gas prices fueled by the global energy crisis following the Iran war, which has disrupted crude oil supply through the Strait of Hormuz, and amid California's climate policies aimed at reducing oil company profits and lowering gas prices.
• Newsom has championed laws to penalize oil companies for excess profits, but regulatory actions have been delayed until 2030 due to refinery closures that have reduced the state's refining capacity and complicated efforts to manage prices.
• The Chevron controversy has also become a political issue in California’s governor race, with climate activist Tom Steyer criticizing candidate Xavier Becerra for accepting campaign donations from the oil company.