Attorneys general meet with oil company executives on gas prices

[Robbien]

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - With attorneys general from 40 other states listening in, Florida Attorney General Charlie Crist met with executives of several top oil companies Thursday to ask why the price of gasoline is rising, to record levels in some areas. Crist said the answers were "a little insulting."

Crist said after the meeting that he couldn't understand why some of the world's largest oil companies can't prepare for business situations in a manner that doesn't stick consumers with higher prices.

"What we've heard, frankly, so far, have been sort of excuses like, 'It's a cold winter up north,' or the fact that (a) barge had an accident on the Mississippi River," Crist said. "I think those are a little insulting."

<snip>

Crist said he would consider suing oil companies if they don't provide adequate explanations on why gas prices are climbing - well over $2 a gallon for high test in some parts of Florida. The average in California has hit $2.10, and even fuel-rich Texas has seen record prices in some locales. "They make a ton of money," Crist said of the oil companies. "If they can make that much money they ought to be able to manage themselves better so the consumers don't continue to be stuck with the bill."

http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/business/8220934.htm

[grytpype]

1. Probably outright price-fixing.

The oil companies know Bush is never going to go after them! Why not price-fix?

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

2. 2.10? In most of the LA area we are paying far more than that!

[WannaJumpMyScooter]

3. It's about time they woke up!

I thought invading Iraq would make us safe, and gas would be cheap? no?

[justgamma]

4. They do this every couple of years.

We underestimated the use, a refinery shut down, ad nauseum. An investigation starts, prices go back down. Later we find out that they made record breaking profits. They have to do it now while Shrub is still in office.

[Pax Argent]

5. We have a winner!!!!

Even the Oil Company cretins have realized that the jig is up. Come November there will be a new president who'll look out for the consumer as opposed to running cover for these bastards.

[leesa]

6. If he can't figure it out, he should take a gander at the enormous profits

being made by the energy companies since the Crime Family took control. It's called larceny.