The Indiana attorney general's office launched an investigation into several area gas stations after complaints that prices had jumped almost 20 cents per gallon. John P. Cleary photo
ANDERSON — Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller addressed rising gas prices during his visit to Anderson on Wednesday.
Zoeller said he has received numerous complaints about the recent spike in gas prices, which went from a little under $4 per gallon early Monday afternoon to about $4.17 per gallon that evening.
While he doesn’t suspect foul play, he said it was important that oil companies understand the role gasoline plays in the American economy.
“We are going to have to have a better understanding of our market, and the role gasoline plays for the working-class individual,” said Zoeller.
The Office of the Indiana Attorney General said in a news release that market factors rather than price-fixing practices were cited as the cause of the recent gas hike.
The attorney general’s office launched an investigation Monday into several Indianapolis gas stations after several complaints that prices had jumped almost 20 cents per gallon.
Zoeller’s office obtained wholesale prices paid for gasoline sold Monday by local stations, and for prices paid the prior week. Zoeller said it was safe to assume the stations investigated were operating fairly, as their reports indicated they were only making 2 to 5 cents profit on each gallon sold.
Zoeller said the investigation has shifted to a larger review, as the U.S. Department of Justice is now getting involved.
Last week, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder announced the formation of a consumer protection watchdog group that will monitor oil and gas markets for potential violations. Zoeller said he has been in regular contact with Holder and will be working closely with this group as the co-chair for the National Association of Attorneys General. Zoeller said his role will be to look into potential cases of antitrust and anti-commerce violations.
According to the release, the attorney general’s office has monitored gas prices since 2003 by comparing gasoline sold at the retail level to local and state averages.
“Current research indicates that price movements within Indiana, though drastic, are in line with price fluctuations occurring across the country,” the release states,
Mary Shepard, who bought gas for $4.13 a gallon Wednesday night at the Ricker’s at 114 W. Eighth St., said that while the price increase will be tough to endure, she is thankful that the attorney general’s office is conducting an investigation.
“I just hope they can come up with a solution quickly, I don’t know how much longer I can afford to keep pumping gas,” said Shepard.
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