CA Drivers To Get Money In Gas-Gouging Settlement

CALIFORNIA — Drivers who bought gas in several California counties in mid-2015 may be eligible for a settlement payment because gas trading firms tampered with prices, according to authorities.

State Attorney General Rob Bonta on Wednesday urged Californians to submit claims for payment.

“Market manipulation and price gouging are illegal and unacceptable, particularly during times of crisis when people are most vulnerable,” Bonta said in a news release. “I am proud to deliver money back to Californians who were victims of gas price manipulation.”

Bonta announced the $50 million settlement in July with Vitol Inc., SK Energy Americas Inc. and SK Trading International. The state filed a lawsuit in 2020 accusing the companies of taking advantage of market disruption after a gasoline refinery explosion in Torrance in February 2015 by scheming to drive up gas prices for profit, suppressing competition and forcing customers to pay more, according to Bonta’s office.

Of the $50 million settlement, $37.5 million will go to consumers and $12.5 million will help the government enforce consumer protection laws. The agreement with Bonta’s office is in addition to a settlement of a private class action lawsuit filed in federal court.

People who bought gas between Feb. 20, 2015, and Nov. 10, 2015, in the counties of Los Angeles, San Diego, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Kern, Ventura, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo or Imperial may be eligible for a payment, according to Bonta’s office.

Recipients have until Jan. 8 to submit a claim and can do so at www.CalGasLitigation.com.