UMVA has learned that a heated battle is unfolding between California Governor Gavin Newsom and a major oil company over who is to blame for the state's sky-high gas prices.
The Democratic governor's office is urging drivers to avoid filling up at stations owned by Chevron, one of the largest oil companies in the world, over Memorial Day weekend. In a pointed message, Newsom's office took to social media to advise drivers to opt for unbranded gas, which comes from the same refineries, storage tanks, and pipelines as branded gas, but costs significantly less.
According to information obtained by UMVA, Newsom's office cited an analysis by a state energy commission group that found Chevron's prices averaged 60 to 80 cents per gallon higher than unbranded alternatives. The governor's office claimed that "Big Oil" is already profiting from the current economic climate and urged drivers not to overpay for brand-name gas.
Chevron, however, is firing back, posting signs at California gas stations blaming the state's climate policies for the high cost of gas. The signs, which feature a QR code directing drivers to a Chevron webpage, claim that California politicians are prioritizing foreign oil and fuels over local jobs and lower costs.
The average price of gas in California is a staggering $6.14 per gallon, nearly $1.58 higher than the national average. California's gas tax, which stands at 70 cents per gallon, is the highest in the country. As Memorial Day weekend approaches, one of the busiest travel times of the year, drivers are bracing for a painful hit to their wallets.
Sources have confirmed to UMVA that Chevron's campaign is part of a larger effort to educate drivers about the impact of California's policies on gas prices. The company's spokesman, Ross Allen, said Chevron has been vocal about the importance of customer education in California, and that the signs are intended to help drivers understand where their tax dollars are going.
