The federal government is urging state attorneys general to investigate and prosecute any illegal activity contributing to high fuel costs for Americans.
“Even though crude oil prices are now falling rapidly, too much of that price decline is being denied to Americans when they pay for gasoline,” the report said. lettersigned by Associate Attorney General Stanley Wodward Jr. and Federal Trade Commission Chairman Andrew Ferguson.
The document includes a screenshot of a message from Truth Social that the president Donald Trump published last week.
On this June 24 jobTrump claimed: “Big oil companies are not lowering their prices at the pump in proportion to the significantly lower prices they pay for oil. These prices are falling like a rock! In other words, customers are being “ripped off.” I have asked the DOJ to immediately begin investigating this matter. Gas prices better start coming down a lot faster than I’m seeing! »
BESSENT WARNS GAS STATIONS ‘WE’RE WATCHING’ AS Trump DEMANDS IMMEDIATE PRICE CUTS
President Donald Trump speaks to the media as he arrives at the United States Capitol June 24, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images/Getty Images)
The letter to state attorneys general states: “As the Department of Justice (DOJ) responds to the President’s call to action, the DOJ and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) are closely monitoring oil markets.
“We urge state law enforcement to join us in investigating illegal practices. The recent volatility in crude oil prices does not suspend antitrust or state consumer protection laws, and it does not give companies permission to manipulate retail prices or collude with competitors.
“We also encourage state attorneys general to use all tools available under your state’s laws to investigate and prosecute misconduct that results in unjustified price increases – particularly any conduct that violates state antitrust and consumer protection laws.” Although the Division and Commission do not enforce any laws specifically targeting price gouging rather than anticompetitive conduct, many states have also enacted laws specifically targeting price gouging during periods of market disruption or emergency, and we urge those states to review whether enforcement is warranted under these laws.
Gas prices increased significantly after the United States launched its war effort against Iran earlier this year, but has declined more recently.
Trump alleges rising gas prices, calls for Justice Department investigation
A driver searches for the pump at a gas station in Carolina Beach, North Carolina, Wednesday, July 1, 2026. (Allison Joyce/Bloomberg via Getty Images / Getty Images)
The AAA national average price for regular gas was $3.823 as of July 3, down from the average of $4.261 a month ago.
“Gasoline retailers need to lower their prices IMMEDIATELY! They are too high considering oil is now at $68 a barrel and heading south. Retailers need to respond quickly to this statement and do what they know is right: LOWER YOUR PRICE FOR OUR GREAT AMERICAN PEOPLE! There will be no gauging, which is completely illegal. If retailers don’t do this, big problems await us!” Trump warned as part of a Social Truth job Monday.
As part of a job On Wednesday, he said: “As I promised, oil prices are falling FAST, and gas prices at the pump are also falling, but not as fast as they should be. »
Trump Demands Gas Stations Immediately Lower Pump Prices, Renews Gas Demand to $2.50
A banner depicting President Donald Trump hangs outside Justice Department headquarters before a news conference with Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche announcing the annual health care fraud enforcement findings in Washington, DC, June 23, 2020. (Ken Cedeno/AFP via Getty Images / Getty Images)
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“Affordable energy is essential to a thriving U.S. economy. The Antitrust Division is committed to working alongside state law enforcement partners to provide resources and support to protect consumers from anticompetitive behavior that drives up the price of gasoline,” Woodward said in a statement provided to Fox News Digital.
“The Antitrust Division will use all available tools to ensure that companies are held accountable for any illegal market manipulation”