You May Not Like Chevron Exec's Advice Amid Rising Gas Costs

A top Chevron executive has a blunt suggestion for Americans frustrated by climbing gas prices: "Drive less." Andy Walz, who oversees the company's refining and chemicals operations, tells CBS News that people should cut back on their time behind the wheel and "conserve energy" as fuel costs surge in the wake of the war with Iran. Shipments through the Strait of Hormuz—a waterway key to about a fifth of the planet's global oil and gas—have dropped sharply since the conflict began in late February, pushing Brent crude to around $100 a barrel.

Walz said there's no quick fix for US drivers as long as international prices stay elevated, noting that while domestic crude supplies are softening the blow somewhat, a prolonged crisis will likely make things "tougher." He also flagged a growing global risk: Some countries in Asia and elsewhere that depend heavily on Middle Eastern oil "can't get it" and are starting to run short on refined products. While Americans are focused on prices, Walz said, others are facing actual shortages—something he called a "big worry."

Last month, Walz declared an "emergency" in California due to an upcoming vote in the state that would impose more regulations on oil refineries, per KCRA. "I know Chevron and my competitors are having trouble running a business in the state of California," he said. "If they add this burden ... I think it's a matter of time. It's not whether or not they'll close, it's when." Bloomberg also recently noted that California isn't connected to fuel-generating centers in Texas and Louisiana, making the Golden State an "energy island" of sorts—and leading Walz to fear that shortages could eventually make their way there. "What if San Francisco doesn't have the jet fuel it needs? Or Los Angeles? Or maybe gasoline?" Walz said in March.