NPRA Says Call by Senators for Investigation of Potential Gasoline Price Fixing is "Political Theater"

WASHINGTON, May 17, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Charles T. Drevna, president of NPRA, the National Petrochemical & Refiners Association, today issued the following statement in response to a letter that a group of Senate Democrats sent to the Federal Trade Commission requesting an investigation of "potential price fixing" of gasoline by petroleum refiners:

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"Instead of telling the American people the truth about gasoline prices, some politicians continue to spin tall tales and call for witch hunts to investigate discredited conspiracy theories about America's oil refiners. Once again, the same baseless claims are being trotted out by the same cast of characters. This is political theater. We've seen the show before and we know what the ending will be.  

"Dozens of investigations of gasoline price fixing over the years have generated plenty of headlines and political hyperbole, but have failed again and again to find any evidence of wrongdoing. The only thing they have accomplished is to waste taxpayer dollars.  

"Making baseless allegations about America's oil producers and refiners in an attempt to improve candidates' political poll numbers does nothing to improve America's energy security or make gasoline more affordable for America's families, farmers and truckers. Instead of playing politics with America's energy needs, our elected officials need to look at basic economics and acknowledge that the cost of oil and gasoline is set by the free market.

"America's refiners have been manufacturing proven and reliable gasoline, diesel and other fuels to serve the American people for more than 100 years, strengthening America's economic and national security and supporting more than 2 million jobs. We make modern life possible and keep America moving and growing as we meet the needs of our nation and local communities.

The facts about energy taxes and gasoline prices  can be found on the NPRA website.

SOURCE National Petrochemical & Refiners Association