This major oil group lit a flame underneath Gov. Gavin Newsom for blaming the Trump administration as Americans suffer high gas prices.
Newsom’s office had blasted the president for a “$10 BILLION higher gas bill for Americans.”
The US Oil & Gas Association waggled the finger back at Newsom and California, playfully saying that “DollarTree PeeWee and his Playhouse friends have entered the Chat.”
“Since Jan 2025, Californians have shelled out an estimated $24–30 billion extra on gasoline since compared to the U.S. average. Average premium: $1.30–$2.00/gal (taxes + regs + supply issues). Per driver: $600–$900+ more in just 15 months,” they added.
Sign up for the California Morning Report newsletter
California’s top news, sports and entertainment delivered to your inbox every day.
Thanks for signing up!
The association is a major political advocate for the oil and gas industry, and says its mission is to educate “the public, policymakers, and legislators at the federal state and local levels about the value of domestic oil and natural gas exploration and production to enhancing national security and economic vitality.”
California residents pay the most for gas in the nation. Saturday’s average gas price hit $5.91 a gallon, according to AAA, $1.20 per gallon higher than the average price a month ago. Saturday’ price is also about $1.80 higher than the national average gas price of $4.10 a gallon.
One California gas station in the tiny coastal hamlet of Gorda‑by‑the‑Sea is even charging nearly $10 a gallon for regular gas.
The increased gas costs largely come from the Iran war’s effect on global oil prices, but California’s climate policies, and higher-than-average taxes also contribute to the high cost.
The oil and gas association also questioned whether outside groups should seize “control of CA refineries and regulations as a viable option to fix the problem California has created for the rest of the economy.”
The California Post reached out to Newsom’s office for comment.
