Number: RS22262
Title: "Price Gouging," the Antitrust Laws, and Vertical Integration in the Petroleum Industry: How They Are Related
Authors: Janice E. Rubin, American Law Division 
Abstract: The Energy Policy Act of 2005 required an FTC investigation "to determine if the price of gasoline is being artificially manipulated by reducing refinery capacity or by any other form of market manipulation or price-gouging practices"; the 110th Congress enacted the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 with a provision authorizing the FTC to promulgate a rule concerning market manipulation. Also in the 110th Congress, the House has passed H.R. 1252, which would define "price gouging" as "excessively unconscionable" or "unreasonably" increased prices during Presidentially declared "energy emergencies," incorporates the FTC Act, directs FTC enforcement, and provides for civil and criminal penalties (several, similar measures are pending in the Senate Commerce Committee); and H.R. 6074 to make "oil-producing and exporting cartels illegal" under U.S. antitrust laws. This report, which may be updated to further reflect congressional action, attempts to provide the antitrust context for the prohibited practices, notes prior congressional action concerning vertical divestiture in the petroleum industry, and provides information on the state "divorcement" statutes.
Pages: 6
Date: May 28, 2008