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Baltimore SunState Comptroller Peter Franchot said yesterday that he is launching a probe into high gas prices and wants answers from oil companies - particularly why the price can range 10 or 20 cents a gallon between nearby stations selling the same brand.
With U.S. gas prices setting a record right before the travel-heavy Memorial Day weekend, politicians across the country are insisting that something has to be done - and are rushing to do it.
Twenty-one governors, including Maryland's Martin O'Malley, called this week for an inquiry into pricing. The House voted for legislation making gas price gouging a federal offense and also approved a bill to give the federal government the power to sue the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, the major oil cartel.
The average price of regular unleaded gasoline in Maryland was about $3.12 a gallon Thursday, AAA said yesterday. It was the 12th consecutive day at or above the $3 mark.
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But Franchot, a Democrat who as comptroller is responsible for overseeing gas sales, said he believes the FTC "has lost its leadership and its direction."
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