June 13, 2000
Phone: 202.224.6221
Levin Urges FTC to Investigate Price Gouging of Gasoline in Michigan
WASHINGTON – Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich., today wrote to the Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission to request an investigation of gasoline prices in Michigan, which recently have reached their highest level in 30 years. In his letter, Levin asked the FTC to look into any and all anticompetitive practices relative to gasoline pricing.
Levin's letter follows:
Carl Levin
MichiganUnited States Senate
Washington, D.C. 20510
Chairman Robert Pitofsky
Federal Trade Commission
600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20580
Dear Chairman Pitofsky:
I am writing to urgently request that the Federal Trade Commission investigate why gasoline prices have skyrocketed in Michigan. This price gouging is outrageous.
The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency investigations have found no reasonable explanation for the sharp price increases. An expedited market review by the FTC is essential. It is my hope that this expedited review will be completed within a week so that you can determine whether or not the Federal Trade Commission can proceed in court under your jurisdiction to pursue any and all anticompetitive practices.
This is a problem that must be addressed immediately. I look forward to a prompt response to my inquiry.
Thank you.
Carl Levin