DOJ, FTC Urge States to Investigate Gas Price Manipulation Amid High Fuel Costs

Northeast Radio SD News – National News - The U.S. Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission are calling on State Attorneys General nationwide to intensify investigations into antitrust and consumer‑protection violations that may be contributing to high gasoline prices.

In a joint letter sent July 3, federal officials warned that although crude oil prices have recently dropped, many companies are not lowering prices at the pump accordingly — a disparity President Donald Trump publicly criticized last month. The DOJ and FTC say they are closely monitoring petroleum markets and will take action against companies manipulating retail fuel prices or colluding with competitors.

The DOJ’s Antitrust Division investigates criminal violations such as price‑fixing, bid‑rigging, and market allocation, while both agencies enforce civil antitrust laws and challenge unfair or deceptive practices. The FTC noted recent enforcement requiring the divestiture of 35 fuel stations in a merger to prevent price increases in several markets.

Federal officials urged states to use their own antitrust, consumer‑protection, and price‑gouging statutes to pursue misconduct. “Affordable energy is essential to a thriving American economy,” Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward said, adding that the DOJ will use “all available tools” to hold companies accountable for unlawful market manipulation.

The agencies also highlighted the DOJ’s Whistleblower Rewards Program, which pays 15 to 30 percent of criminal fines collected when individuals report antitrust crimes that result in penalties of at least $1 million. Earlier this year, the DOJ awarded $1 million to a whistleblower who helped uncover a conspiracy to manipulate online used‑car auction prices.

Consumers can report suspected antitrust violations to the DOJ’s Citizen Complaint Center at 888‑647‑3258 or justice.gov/atr/report‑violations, and report unfair or deceptive practices to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Federal officials say they will continue monitoring fuel markets and encourage states to ensure companies do not exploit market volatility or hardship.

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