California Governor Urges Drivers to Avoid Chevron Stations Over Gas Prices

The governor's office posted on social media Thursday advising drivers to avoid Chevron stations during Memorial Day weekend. The post stated that unbranded gasoline comes from the same refineries, storage tanks, and pipelines and meets the same state standards.

The office cited an analysis by a group within the state energy commission showing Chevron stations charged 60 to 80 cents more per gallon than unbranded alternatives. The average price of gasoline in California reached $6.14 per gallon on Thursday, $1.58 above the national average, according to the American Automobile Association.

Chevron placed signs at California gas stations stating that state climate policies favor foreign oil over local jobs and lower costs. A company spokesman said the signs are part of a three-year campaign to inform drivers about the price impacts of state policies.

The spokesman added that hundreds of Chevron stations in California are operated independently and set their own prices. The state taxes consumers about 70 cents per gallon, the highest gas tax in the country, according to the state energy commission.

Regulators voted last year to delay penalties on businesses until 2030 and prioritize other consumer protection efforts. The delay followed announcements that two refineries representing 18 percent of state refining capacity would close. A 2024 law gave the commission authority to require refineries to maintain fuel reserves to limit sudden price increases.

That regulation has also stalled. Prices at the pump have risen nationwide since the Iran war began and the Strait of Hormuz became effectively closed to oil tankers.