Newsom Urges Californians to Avoid Chevron Stations Over Holiday Weekend

California Gov. Gavin Newsom's office posted on X on Thursday urging drivers to avoid Chevron stations over Memorial Day weekend, citing an analysis that found the company charged 60 to 80 cents more per gallon than unbranded stations. The post stated that unbranded gas meets the same state standards and comes from the same refineries, storage tanks, and pipelines.

It added that oil companies are already profiting from the Iran war and should not be allowed to overcharge further.

Chevron has posted signs at some California stations stating that state politicians are choosing foreign oil over local jobs and lower costs. The signs include a QR code directing drivers to a company webpage asking the public to speak up for affordable energy.

Chevron spokesman Ross Allen told the Associated Press the signs are part of a three-year campaign to educate drivers about how state policies affect prices. He noted that most Chevron stations in California are independently operated and set their own prices.

58 above the national average, according to the American Automobile Association. The state imposes a 70-cent-per-gallon tax, the highest in the country. Chevron controls 19 percent of California's gas market with more than 1,600 stations. " — Chevron station signs, May 2026 (Washington Times) Newsom signed a 2023 law allowing the state energy commission to penalize oil companies for excess profits.

Regulators later postponed enforcement until 2030 after two refineries representing 18 percent of state capacity announced closure plans. Chevron relocated its headquarters to Texas in 2024, ending a 145-year presence in California. The company cited state energy and climate policies as a factor in the decision.