Newsom Urges Avoiding Chevron Stations Over California Gas Prices

California Governor Gavin Newsom has urged drivers to avoid Chevron gas stations over the Memorial Day weekend, escalating a public dispute with the oil giant over the causes of the state's high fuel prices. The governor's office made the call in a social media post on Thursday, citing a state analysis that found Chevron gasoline averaged 60 to 80 cents more per gallon than unbranded alternatives.

The governor's office stated that unbranded fuel comes from the same infrastructure and meets the same standards as branded gasoline, arguing consumers should not overpay for a brand name. This move is a direct response to signs Chevron has posted at its California stations, which blame the state's climate policies for high costs. The signs claim California politicians are choosing foreign oil over local jobs and lower costs, and include a QR code linking to a company advocacy page.

Chevron spokesman Ross Allen said the signs are part of a three-year-old campaign to educate consumers on the price impacts of state policies. He emphasized that most Chevron stations in California are independently operated and set their own prices. The dispute unfolds as California's average gas price...