Story perspectives

Newsom Urges Chevron Boycott Over Record Gas Profits

5/23/2026

Summary

Newsom Urges Boycott

Governor Gavin Newsom urged Californians to boycott Chevron stations over Memorial Day weekend.
Chevron posted signs at hundreds of California stations accusing state politicians of favoring foreign oil over local jobs.
Consumer Watchdog president Jamie Court said Chevron earned $1.11 profit per gallon in March, charging more than unbranded competitors.
The California Energy Commission reported Californians pay the nation’s highest gas tax, about 70 cents per gallon.

Summary

Regulators Delay Law

Regulators postponed the 2023 law penalizing oil firms for excess profits until 2030 after two refineries, 18 % of California capacity, announced closures.
Climate activist Tom Steyer publicly attacked former health secretary Xavier Becerra for accepting Chevron contributions, flagging intra-party oil influence concerns.
Chevron stations, which are independently owned and set their own prices, feature a QR code linking to a webpage urging affordable energy and explaining state tax use.

Summary

California Gas Spike

After U.S. and Israel attacked Iran in late February, California’s pump price rose to $6.13 per gallon, $1.60 above the national average.
On March 25, 75-year-old Lucio Rosario paid $8.29 per gallon at a Chevron station in Chinatown.
The California Energy Commission says premium blend, environmental fees, market isolation and state and local taxes drive the higher cost.
Californians have cut holiday travel and evening outings as pump prices stay volatile.

Summary

Hilton Vows Cut

Republican candidate Steve Hilton vowed to cut California gasoline prices to $3 per gallon.
Hilton cited Chevron’s $6.39 price in California versus $3.99 in Mississippi as evidence.
President Tim Stewart mocked Governor Newsom’s taxpayer-funded black SUV, linking it to the gas-price debate.
Newsom’s team said he now uses an all-electric Rivian vehicle.
Chevron’s Ron Allen stated that most branded stations are independent small businesses and called the boycott unfair.

History

Historical Context

The 1973 Arab oil embargo, when OPEC cut exports to the United States, caused gasoline lines, rationing and a price jump from $3 to $12 per barrel—a four-fold increase. President Nixon responded with emergency petroleum controls and the Project Independence plan, while the crisis spurred lasting consumer-resistance norms that shape today’s Chevron boycott and California tax-delay debates.

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Newsom Urges Boycott

Governor Gavin Newsom urged Californians to boycott Chevron stations over Memorial Day weekend.
Chevron posted signs at hundreds of California stations accusing state politicians of favoring foreign oil over local jobs.
Consumer Watchdog president Jamie Court said Chevron earned $1.11 profit per gallon in March, charging more than unbranded competitors.
The California Energy Commission reported Californians pay the nation’s highest gas tax, about 70 cents per gallon.

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