Stanly News and Press - Hayes Calls On FTC to Investigate Gas Spike in NC

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Stanly News and Press - Hayes Calls On FTC to Investigate Gas Spike in NC

Congressman Robin Hayes (NC-08) sent a letter Friday to the Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) asking the agency to investigate the sudden spike in prices and to identify any wrongdoing.

"I understand there is a substantial hurricane in a sensitive area of the country, but this dramatic spike in gas prices is breathtaking," said Hayes.

"I have sent a letter to the FTC because they need to carefully look at this situation and identify any wrongdoing that may exist.

"This also proves the point that we need production of oil and gas in additional areas of our country so we are not so dependent on one area in the Gulf of Mexico. Lifting the ban on energy production in the Atlantic and Pacific coasts would spread our resources while increasing our domestic supply of oil and gas."

Congressman Hayes sends a letter to the Chairman of the FTC, asking for an investigation on the dramatic increase in gas prices:

"I am deeply concerned about the drastic increase in gasoline prices that are taking place today in North Carolina and the burden it places on consumers who are already plagued with high energy costs.

"As you know, there are two major pipelines that transport gasoline into North Carolina, and the pipelines are based in the Gulf of Mexico. As Hurricane Ike is expected to make landfall tonight, North Carolina consumers are experiencing shortages and there are reports of prices increasing by over $1 per gallon in one day.

"The massive increase in gas prices taking place is shocking, and I feel it places an extreme burden on my constituents who already suffer from the high cost of gasoline. I know the impending hurricane is a large threat to our state's gasoline supply, but in my opinion, this dramatic fluctuation of prices is unprecedented.

"Mr. Chairman, I urge you to investigate this matter immediately to determine why these drastic increases in gas prices are happening; to identify any possible wrongdoing; and to see what can be done to give relief to consumers.

"Thank you for your consideration of this request."

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