Be quiet, Big Oil. Californians know gas ain’t cheap

Big Oil is investing big bucks in a PR campaign that tells us — insert drum roll here — that gas is way more expensive in California.

Shocking, right?

To be fair, the oil industry also is attempting to educate us on why gas costs more in California.

Naturally, this campaign casts Sacramento politicians — not oil company execs — as the bad guys.

The Western States Petroleum Association has billboards on major highways that direct drivers to a website, factspergallon.com, that blames California’s high gas prices on taxes and fees, environmental regulations and local bans on new gas stations.

(So far, it’s mostly small, upscale Northern California communities like St. Helena, Calistoga and Yountville that have passed bans, though Sacramento is considering it.)

Chevron has positioned eyecatching, hot-pink signs at their gas pumps that read: “Filling up your tank is a lot cheaper in other states.” (Again, who knew?)

The sign includes a QR code that provides helpful links to state lawmakers, in case customers want to call or write them. It also includes “talking points” like this: “I ask you to act now to protect my access to affordable gas by prioritizing fair and equitable regulations for all Californians, not just those who can afford new vehicles.”

Gov. Gavin Newsom is not taking the bait.

“Big Oil is Spending Millions on a Campaign Lying About Gas Prices Instead of Passing Down Savings to Consumers” is the headline on a March statement from the Governor’s Office:

“The price of a gallon of gasoline overwhelmingly consists of profits, marketing, distribution, and the price of crude oil,” it goes on to say.

So who do we believe? Big Oil or Big Government? Or are both positions valid, at least to some degree?

SURE, GAS IS MORE EXPENSIVE HERE — BUT SO IS EVERYTHING ELSE

According to the latest AAA data, in California a gallon of regular averages $5.46 compared to a nationwide average of $3.64.

Ouch!

Then again, almost everything