Why Oil Companies in California Get Away with Price Gauging

If you live in California, then you feel the pain of paying higher price for a gallon of gasoline  than the rest of the country. California residents are worried about the current and future higher gas prices in their State. Frankly, the Oil Companies are able to get away from gauging prices in California, and this has frustrated the Californians.

Oil Companies have found ways to manipulate gas prices in this part of the country. The consumerwatchdog.org has launched numerous investigation charging the Oil Companies in California for manipulating gas prices for a hefty profit margins, and this is true. Angry California residents ask "How do you justify a .20 to.50 cents price increase over night?"

Many Californians believe that Oil Companies and Refiners control the number of refineries established in California. In the 1970's there were 33 active refineries in California, today there are only 11. Then there are other factors such as special summer blend.  But there is also higher tax price per gallon in California than the rest of the country.

But no matter how you slice it or dice it, the Oil Companies take the advantage circumstances in California to manipulate and gauge oil prices, and the California government lets it happen. Many Californians believe that  California politicians are sympathetic and they side with the Oil companies.  Right or wrong, but when you live in California and wake up in the morning and see the prices jump .50 cents at pump over night, you will not only blame the Oil Companies alone, but the California government as well for doing nothing.

We feel sympathetic towards California residents, and encourage them to join the Consumerwatchdog.org and to voice their concerns to the California Attorney General's Office to investigate.  If you keep silent the powerful Oil Companies will get away with gauging and manipulating oil prices in California.  One solution would be do to a state-wide boycott of gasoline and simply not buy gas for a few days to send a message to Oil Companies, but this would need cooperation from both, California residents and businesses.

The reason why Oil companies get away with price gauging is the friendly attitude of California government and corrupt politicians towards the Oil companies and refiners. California has paved a very friendly and manipulating environment for the Oil companies and refiners. The powerful Oil companies are very influential in California's economy, therefore, California has relaxed rules  and regulation that allow the Oil companies and refiners to take control and advantage of gasoline prices.

Be proactive and please fill out a petition with California Attorney General Office:

https://oag.ca.gov/antitrust/gasoline/complaint