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Article: FTC finds no collusion in rising gasoline prices: Report finds that market conditions are primarily behind hike
- Article from:
- Charleston Daily Mail
- Article date:
- July 6, 2005
- Author:
CopyrightCopyright 2005 Charleston Daily Mail. Provided by ProQuest LLC. (Hide copyright information)
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WASHINGTON - Gasoline prices are increasing primarily because of
market conditions, not collusion or other anti-competitive
activities, according to a report released by the Federal Trade
Commission.
The report said a variety of factors have pushed prices higher,
including the rising cost of crude oil, increasing domestic and
international demand and federal, state and local regulations.
The report notes that some observers suspect that mergers, oil
company collusion or other anti-competitive conduct may be the reason
for higher gasoline prices. But it concludes, "The vast majority of
the FTC's investigations have revealed market factors to be the
primary drivers of both price increases and ...