The Justice Department (DOJ) has urged state attorneys general to investigate potential illegal practices by oil companies that may be keeping gasoline prices artificially high. This initiative aligns with President Donald Trump's ongoing campaign against what he describes as price gouging at gas stations.
In a joint letter sent on July 1, the DOJ's Antitrust Division and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) encouraged state officials to utilize their antitrust and consumer protection laws to investigate companies suspected of manipulating gasoline prices or colluding with competitors. The letter references a June 24 post by Trump, which accused major oil companies of not passing on the benefits of declining crude oil prices to consumers.
The DOJ and FTC stated they are closely monitoring petroleum markets and are prepared to employ both civil and criminal enforcement measures against any companies found to be in violation of antitrust laws. Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward emphasized the importance of affordable energy for the economy and affirmed the commitment of the Antitrust Division to collaborate with state law enforcement to protect consumers from anticompetitive practices.
The letter also encourages states with price-gouging laws to consider enforcement actions and directs consumers to report suspected antitrust violations through the DOJ’s Citizen Complaint Center and the FTC’s fraud reporting portal. The DOJ highlighted its whistleblower rewards program, which offers informants a percentage of fines collected in qualifying cases.
As of now, the national average gas price is approximately $3.82 per gallon, down from $4.26 last month and up from $3.16 a year ago. This latest action is part of a broader antitrust enforcement strategy by the administration aimed at consumer prices.