Ohio Senator Investigating Gas Prices - DeWine Asks FTC For Help

www.nbc4columbus.com POSTED: 12:15 p.m. EST February 25, 2003 UPDATED: 1:37 p.m. EST February 25, 2003

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Central Ohio motorists continue digging deep into their wallets to pay for expensive gas, but are the prices fair?

U.S. Sen. Mike DeWine is investigating why gas prices in Ohio and other parts of the Midwest are rising faster than anywhere else.

Some gas prices have risen as much as 12 cents a gallon per day, NewsChannel 4's Beth Dal Ponte said.

Pump Patrol: What Are You Paying?

DeWine said he noticed that the prices seem to be going up the most in the Midwest.

The Ohio Republican, along with Wisconsin Sen. Herb Kohl, is asking the Federal Trade Commission to investigate any possible anticompetitive or anticonsumer practices.

The senators explained to the FTC that the causes of the price increases are not clear, and that it's critical to ensure they aren't caused by price fixing or price gouging.

Motorists think the investigation is a good idea.

"I think somebody should look into it," motorist Todd Coe said. "Right now, with the economy so bad, everybody is having a hard time anyway."

Ohio Petroleum Council Executive Director Terry Fleming said prices in the Midwest are not necessarily higher than other areas.

"In California, they're paying much higher prices for gas than we pay here," Fleming said. "So I don't know that that's true. And sometimes it might be, but it all averages out."

Fleming said there are several reasons for the high prices.

He said crude oil prices have gone from $18 a barrel to $37 within the past year, a worker strike in Venezuela has been going on for four months and there is a possibility of a war with Iraq.

Fleming said he is confident the oil refiners aren't doing anything wrong.

"Over the past 20 years, there have been 26 separate investigators by the FTC, many by states, including Ohio," he said. "Not once in any of those investigations have we been found to be doing anything illegal."

Gas-Saving Tips

There are several ways to cut back on the gas motorists use and reasons why they may not be getting good gas mileage.

Dirty spark plugs or other bum components can cost drivers about $540 per year, so tuneups are important.

Stopping and accelerating quickly and speeding will use a lot of gas, costing about $500 per year.

Only fill a car up with premium gas if the car's manufacturer calls for it.

Motorists can save up to $90 per year by keeping the correct tire pressure.

Motorists should not carry a lot of stuff in their trunks because it can waste gas.