By OGJ editors
HOUSTON, June 26 -- Oklahoma Atty. Gen. Drew Edmondson accused BP America Inc. and two subsidiaries of illegally manipulating gasoline prices and other refined products in a scheme said to have started in 2002.
In a lawsuit filed in Cleveland County District Court, Edmondson accused BP of deceptive trade practices, saying BP acquired and hoarded short-term supplies of gasoline from the New York Harbor gasoline hub and light, sweet crude oil from Cushing, Okla.
“We allege this scheme caused gasoline prices to unnaturally spike by as much as 18¢/gal during certain times over the last several years,” Edmondson said. The lawsuit also names North America and BP Products North America.
Edmondson filed a similar case against BP North America in May regarding propane price manipulation. That case was filed in Oklahoma County District Court.
No comment was immediately available from BP.
