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DOJ, FTC Urge States to Probe Gas Price Gouging

7/4/2026

Summary

DOJ & FTC Probe

DOJ and FTC sent a July 3, 2026 letter urging state attorneys general to probe gasoline price-gouging and antitrust violations.
The letter noted crude oil fell to $68 a barrel and WTI below $70.
AAA listed the national regular-gas average at $3.823 on July 3, down from $4.261 a month earlier.
Agencies warned volatility does not suspend antitrust or consumer-protection laws, and over 36 states, territories and D.C. have emergency price-gouging statutes.

Summary

Woodward Monitors Oil

On July 3, 2026, Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward said the Justice Department will keep monitoring oil markets for price-fixing despite recent swings.
FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson said the Federal Trade Commission lacks authority to enforce price-gouging statutes, so enforcement falls to states.
A CBS News-reviewed letter urged state attorneys general to apply emergency price-gouging laws, noting they can police gouging where the federal government cannot.

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DOJ & FTC Probe

DOJ and FTC sent a July 3, 2026 letter urging state attorneys general to probe gasoline price-gouging and antitrust violations.
The letter noted crude oil fell to $68 a barrel and WTI below $70.
AAA listed the national regular-gas average at $3.823 on July 3, down from $4.261 a month earlier.
Agencies warned volatility does not suspend antitrust or consumer-protection laws, and over 36 states, territories and D.C. have emergency price-gouging statutes.

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