Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) has said that California will allow the sale of the winter blend of gasoline in the state earlier than usual as Iran-war-induced energy shocks continue to cause a surge in fuel prices.
Gavin Newsom Slams Trump’s Reckless War
In a post on X on Monday, Newsom slammed President Donald Trump, saying that his “reckless Iran war” has cost over $120 billion in excess fuel costs in “just 7 months,” as the war was kicked off in February this year when a joint U.S.-Israeli operation killed Iran’s former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
“With no end to the war in sight, I’m suspending California’s seasonal summer-blend gas requirement and directing state agencies to allow winter-blend gas to be sold immediately,” he said. “This will help lower costs and deliver relief to drivers, businesses, and communities across the state,” Newsom said.
In August, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) had announced it was issuing an emergency fuel waiver that would allow the sale of winter-blend gasoline earlier than prescribed to decrease gas prices.
Summer and winter gasoline blends differ primarily in their volatility, measured by Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP). Winter gasoline can have a higher RVP, allowing it to vaporize more readily in colder temperatures.
According to the American Automobile Association (AAA) data, the national average price of gas on Monday was $4.4768/gallon. However, prices in California remained high, with the average price of gas at $6.3650/gallon. On the diesel front, stations charged $8.3999/gallon of diesel on average in the state on Monday.
Gavin Newsom Slams Fuel Economy Rollback
Over the weekend, Newsom had criticized Trump’s decision to roll back former President Joe Biden-era fuel economy standards, saying that the decision came as gas prices were surging. He also said the decision would increase pollution and benefit oil producers.
Trump, on the other hand, touted the rollback as a win for the domestic auto industry, saying that the decision will end the EV mandate imposed by Biden and former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.
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