Gas Stations "Gouging" Customers

None by KCPW

(KCPW News) An investigation into Utah's high gas prices released today (Friday) reveals convenience stores have been gouging customers at the pump. Department of Commerce Director Francine Giani says gas stations haven't broken any laws, but are clearly taking advantage with the current average of two-sixty a gallon:

"Clearly the retailers are making a huge profit," says Giani. "In the last month, I believe we would have not seen any change had the Governor not shed light on this issue."

The Department of Commerce conducted a 30-day investigation at the request of Governor Huntsman. Giani says oil refineries and retailers both withheld key information that would give a clearer picture of the profits being made through Utah's high gas prices. Still, she says they can say with certainty that retailers are paying far less for gas than they are charging consumers at the pump.

The investigation did not reveal any violations of state or anti-trust law. Governor Huntsman is now reviewing the report.

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