$8 Gas May Be Price Gouging At The Pump, CA Officials Warn

State officials are warning California drivers to beware of price gouging at the pump in the wake of the military conflict in Iran and its effect on gas prices.

The Division of Petroleum Market Oversight said in a news release last week that it had issued an enforcement bulletin and a consumer advisory in light of rising gas prices, adding some gas stations in the state were reportedly charging $7 or $8 per gallon.

“These extraordinarily high prices are not supported by current crude oil prices or gasoline futures,” the news release said. “DPMO is engaging with stations that are pricing in a manner that is disproportionate to their own cost increases.”

The average price per gallon in California was $5.831 as of Wednesday, compared to the national average of $3.983, according to the American Automobile Association.

“Our team is vigilantly monitoring the retail, wholesale, and spot markets,” division Director Tai Milder said in the news release. “Any reports of unfair practices or market manipulation will be taken seriously, and we will not hesitate to refer any illegal conduct for further investigation and prosecution.”

The division encouraged drivers to shop around and price-compare name-brand and generic gasoline, noting all gasoline sold in the state must meet its standards for emissions control and engine performance.