CA Gov. Wants State's High Gas Prices To Be Investigated

SACRAMENTO, CA — Gov. Gavin Newsom is asking the state attorney general to investigate the state's high gas prices, asserting that oil companies may be overcharging consumers by as much as 30 cents per gallon compared to other states.

In a letter to Attorney General Xavier Becerra dated Monday, Oct. 21, Newsom asked Becerra to investigate whether companies are using false advertising or price fixing. Newsom also cited a new report by the California Energy Commission, which he said supports the claim that companies are overcharging consumers.

While name-brand retailers justify their higher gas prices by claiming their gas is higher quality, the CEC report concluded that "there is no apparent difference in the quality of gasoline at retail outlets in the state.," according to KTVU.

Becerra's office said it had gotten the governor's request and "will handle accordingly," KTVU reported.