News from the Oklahoma Corporation Commission

Jim Palmer, Director of Information

Phone: (405) 522-2100, FAX: (405) 522-1623,  www.occ.state.ok.us

 

August 28, 2001

 

 

 

NEWS ADVISORY: GASOLINE PRICES AND THE COMMISSION

 

The recent spike in Oklahoma gasoline prices has again stirred public debate about who might be responsible for the price increases. Some letters and phone calls to the editor have pointed the finger at the Corporation Commission for not investigating the gasoline price hikes.

 

The following is provided as an informational source for reporters and the public:

 

The Commission wishes to make it very clear that it has no statuatory authority whatsoever to investigate or regulate the price of gasoline. This means it cannot investigate allegations of price gouging as regards gasoline or diesel fuel.

 

Commission fuel inspectors do work to make sure Oklahomans get what they pay for by checking all retail gasoline pumps for fuel quality and pump accuracy. Commission Inspectors also check for water in gasoline and make sure the facility is in compliance with environmental and safety rules.

 

If consumers think they purchased “bad” gas or that a pump might not be calibrated properly, they should call the Commission’s Consumer Services Division at 1-800-522-8154. Inside the OKC metro area, the number to call is 521-2331.

 

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All OCC news releases and advisories are available for downloading and review on the OCC web site at www.occ.state.ok.us