Gas-pump anger grows
Utah prices are still 4th highest in the nation
On Monday, Utah's gasoline prices averaged $2.80 for a gallon of self-serve regular, ranking the fourth highest in the nation, according to AAA's Fuel Gauge report. A month ago, Utahns were paying an average of $2.99 a gallon.
Only Alaska, Hawaii and Nevada have higher gasoline prices than Utah.
Nationally, the average price of a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline on Monday was $2.38, a decrease of 50 cents, or 17 percent, over the past month.
"I can't figure it out," Giani said. "What we're telling people to do is hunt down those places that can give you the best price available. If you've got to go a mile to get a little cheaper gas, I would do that."
Giani is leading an investigation launched Sept. 15 by Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. into Utah's high gasoline prices. On Monday, Giani sent a letter to the Utah Petroleum Association asking for further information related to the investigation.
Specifically, Giani wants to know the source of oil purchased by Utah's five refineries whether it is domestic crude, Canadian crude or international crude. Giani also is asking for the daily price per barrel paid by the refineries for crude oil for each day from Oct. 1, 2005, to the present.
In addition, Giani is asking for the percentage of profits from the sale to retailers of all grades of unleaded gasoline that has been used by the refineries to subsidize the transition to ultra-low-sulfur diesel fuel.
Calls to the Utah Petroleum Association by the Deseret Morning News seeking comment were not returned by deadline Monday.
"We've got tons of questions, and they beg an explanation," Giani said. "We're just trying to get to the bottom of it. Will there be a violation of the law? I don't know."
Giani said two state statutes the Unfair Practices Act and the Consumer Sales Practices Act would likely be a stretch to apply to charging individual retailers. Federal antitrust laws would carry a bigger punch, but collusion between retailers and/or oil refineries would set a high burden of proof.
In the meantime, Utah consumers appear to be outraged over the state's continued high gasoline prices.
"As a former prosecutor, I'd be glad to prosecute these bloodsuckers for free when the evidence is established by investigators," said Mark Kleinfield in an e-mail to the Deseret Morning News. "Crooks in suits are still crooks."
And in another e-mail to the News, Scott Johnson suggested starting a movement to have the oil companies regulated like power and natural gas companies.
Comments
- Oldest American to scale Mount Everest 11:07 a.m.
- Knicks sign first-round pick 10:59 a.m.
- Armstrong third, Leipheimer fourthe 10:58 a.m.
- 6.0 quake in China 10:43 a.m.
- Big Ben celebrates 150 years 10:42 a.m.
- North Korean cyberattacks? 10:39 a.m.
- China raises death toll from riots 10:37 a.m.
- 'Smart Home' block party in Provo 10:35 a.m.
- Man injured in Taylorsville stabbing 10:22 a.m.
- Dispose of old TVs 10:16 a.m.
- Jazz brass debate Millsap match
- LDS seminary principal arrested
- 2 men cited on LDS plaza
- Jazz finances not quite so bleak
- HBO defends U. logo use in 'Love'
- Reactions on Boozer speculation
- Cash for Clunkers to get rolling soon
- Utahns among Texans' investors
- Man spots his stolen car
- Jazz rookies quiet Thunder youngsters
- LDS seminary principal arrested
234 - Jazz brass debate Millsap match
151 - Bronco collecting a galaxy of recruits
141 - Jazz talking Boozer trade?
138 - Blazers may offer Millsap a contract
124 - 2 men cited on LDS plaza
103 - Stadium of Fire flag burning was fake
95 - Fairness of BCS debated
81 - Chaffetz eyes challenging Bennett
76 - Letters: Single-payer system best
75
By now you've probably read about the investigation that showed just how...
The photographs are mysterious, brooding, dark. They show dimples and...
While reading most of the comments by the fans of BYU and Utah, one could say...
It's going to be funny in 20 years when all this seems stupid, and you are on...
When I can finally establish in every moment of my life peace, forgiveness,...
Same can be said about the beauty parlor, or any other place where we shed...
Reading all of this makes my heart wrench. I was raised LDS and I have been...
I'm sick of the articles saying he's like every other man with temptations....
To the 7:04 commentator, They are also married. Beyound that, what...
lets go dig it up they're not indeginous to here or related to us. but i...
That is a terrible lead! When did this happen? What does this picture from 10...
"Who are you calling a pedophile? While I do believe Mr. Pratt is guilty of a...



You can be the first to comment on this story.