Statewide — California Attorney General Rob Bonta is calling on residents who purchased gasoline in Southern California between Feb. 20 and Nov. 10, 2015, to file claims for compensation under a state settlement addressing alleged gas price manipulation by trading firms.
Californians eligible for payment can submit claims online at CalGasLitigation.com.
“Market manipulation and price gouging are illegal and unacceptable, particularly during times of crisis when people are most vulnerable,” Bonta stated in a press release. “I am proud to deliver money back to Californians who were victims of gas price manipulation.”
“As the People’s Attorney, I am committed to combating corporate greed and ensuring justice for the people of California,” he added.
The settlement, announced in July, resolves accusations that energy trading companies Vitol, Inc., SK Energy Americas, Inc., and its parent company SK Trading International, engaged in illegal coordination to alter and manipulate spot market prices for California gasoline.
This alleged misconduct is believed to have impacted gas prices for consumers across 10 Southern California counties, including Los Angeles, San Diego, Riverside, San Bernardino and others.
The $50 million agreement between Bonta’s office and the firms marks a significant resolution to the state’s case. It follows a separate settlement reached through a private class action lawsuit filed in federal court, which also addressed price manipulation allegations.
Consumers residing in affected counties who bought gasoline during the designated timeframe may be eligible to receive a payment under the settlement.
For additional information on submitting a claim, understanding eligibility and reviewing frequently asked questions, Californians are encouraged to visit CalGasLitigation.com.
Claims are processed through this website, where details of the legal resolution are available.
The case underscores Attorney General Bonta’s stated commitment to protecting Californians from corporate misconduct and ensuring fair market practices across the state.
