Other LanguagesSEATTLE – Attorney General Rob McKenna today said that while the Attorney General’s Office has not seen any activity by Washington gasoline suppliers or retailers that would warrant taking legal action, his office will assist with a national inquiry into the causes of escalating gas prices.
“As part of our active effort to monitor the gas market, both here and nationally,” McKenna announced, ”we will participate in an inquiry by attorneys general throughout the country to determine the reasons behind gas price increases, particularly in areas surrounding the Gulf Coast. So far, however, we have seen no evidence that Washington gas producers or retailers are violating state consumer protection or anti-trust laws.”
“With prices reaching record highs, it’s understandable that drivers are feeling frustrated,” McKenna continued. “In light of the Hurricane Katrina disaster, drivers should conserve as much as possible – and consumers and businesses need to show restraint. Rushing to the station to fill up actually increases demand and can create the anticipation of a shortage, which, in turn, can further spike prices.”
“The Attorney General’s Office will continue to closely watch the gas market and will take action against any company that engages in illegal business practices,” he said.
The Attorney General’s Office provides information about gas prices on its web site at www.atg.wa.gov/consumer/gasprices.
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For more information contact:
Kristin Alexander, Public Information Officer, at (206) 464-6432, kristina1@atg.wa.gov