TRENTON
– Attorney General Peter C. Harvey
announced today that New Jersey is joining
with more than 35 other states throughout
the nation in a cooperative effort to
determine what factors are influencing
the recent surge in retail gasoline prices.
“We
have made a commitment to keep a close
watch on gasoline prices to ensure there
is no price fixing or artificial inflation
of the cost to motorists at the pump,”
said Harvey. “In the mean time,
we continue to receive many questions
from consumers with regard to the dramatic
gasoline price increases they are seeing.
On behalf of all New Jerseyans, we are
joining with other states to pursue answers.”
According to Harvey, the multi-state investigation
will focus on the factors that have generated
a rapid escalation in gasoline prices
in the days following Hurricane Katrina.
In addition to New Jersey, the states
of Alabama, Florida and Pennsylvania are
participating in the probe.
The Attorney General explained that there
has been consensus among Attorneys General
throughout the country that there are
questions which remain unanswered as to
why fuel prices have spiraled in recent
days.
“For
the sake of New Jersey consumers, it is
important that we take part in what I
anticipate will be a comprehensive inquiry
into the issue of spiraling fuel prices,”
said Harvey.
Harvey noted that concerned gasoline consumers
can contact the State Weights and Measures
Office complaint line throughout the Labor
Day holiday weekend at 732-815-4840.
Consumers can also file complaints via
the Division of Consumer Affairs Web site
at www.NJConsumerAffairs.org.