What happened
The Justice Department's Antitrust Division and the Federal Trade Commission called on state attorneys general to investigate and bring enforcement actions over potential antitrust and consumer protection violations tied to high gas prices.
The agencies said they are monitoring petroleum markets and gas prices and will use appropriate measures to stop illegal conduct contributing to high gas prices. The announcement frames the effort as a federal-state enforcement push aimed at conduct affecting consumers at the pump.
In a letter described by DOJ, the agencies encouraged state attorneys general to conduct investigations and bring cases under state antitrust and consumer protection laws. The call to action focuses on conduct such as retail price manipulation and collusion among competitors in petroleum markets.
Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward said, "Affordable energy is essential to a thriving American economy." He said the Antitrust Division is committed to working with state law enforcement partners to protect consumers from anticompetitive conduct that raises gas prices.
The agencies also directed consumers to report suspected antitrust violations and unfair or deceptive practices through DOJ and FTC reporting channels. DOJ said the Antitrust Division may pay significant financial rewards to individuals who report antitrust crimes.