Chevron is no longer blamed for California’s soaring gas prices, and they’re quite vocal about it. The company attributes the high costs to the state’s Democratic leadership rather than former President Donald Trump, and they are sharing this message with drivers just in time for Memorial Day weekend.
One of the signs displayed at gas stations states, “Sacramento’s policies made this happen. Now pay more,” featuring an illustration of a blue SUV caught in a gas hose. Another message reads, “California politicians are choosing foreign oil and fuel over local jobs and cost savings.”
Videos from drivers filling up at Chevron show that regular gas is priced at $6.49 per gallon and premium at $6.69. Meanwhile, the national average gas price hovered around $4.564, according to AAA, as of Thursday.
With the three-day Memorial Day weekend approaching, Los Angeles drivers are grappling with these high gas prices. The average cost in California reached $6.143 per gallon on the same day, as reported by AAA.
This year, gas prices are notably higher, with a nationwide jump of $1.38 per gallon compared to last year. Chevron spokesperson Ross Allen has confirmed that the signs were indeed sponsored by the company.
Allen stated, “We’re trying to educate consumers about how politicians line their pockets,” adding that while individual environmental fees, taxes, and regulations might seem small, they accumulate to raise living costs significantly in California. He emphasized that these are policy decisions and can be changed.
On social media, some California drivers noted that they’ve encountered similar signs before. A driver shared that Chevron had been displaying these messages in North San Diego for some time.
Comments ranged from observations about state taxes making up nearly 25% of gas bills to claims that California has the highest gas taxes and fees in the country. Chevron has been using these signs for months to draw attention to California’s specific financial burdens, including major excise taxes, cap-and-trade fees, low-carbon fuel costs, and refinery closures due to strict regulations.
Unfortunately, recent reports indicate that several major refineries in California are either shut down or on the brink of closure, contributing to the upward trend in gas prices. Experts warn that the environmental policies set forth by Governor Gavin Newsom may drive prices to $8 a gallon or even higher.
Drivers in California are already facing a “California premium,” which consists of elevated excise and sales taxes along with additional costs for the state’s climate initiatives.
