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Bush Looks into Gas Price Gouging

President George W. Bush directs the Departments of Energy and Justice to probe whether there has been cheating or manipulation of gasoline markets. Outgoing White House spokesman Scott McClellan said Monday that Mr. Bush planned to announce his request in a speech about energy Tuesday. Reports were that the president would mention "gas demand is only projected to increase this summer, and experts are projecting that gas prices will remain high."

Gasoline prices increased 13.1 cents over the last week to $2.91 a gallon. The government says this is the fourth highest average retail price on record. Republican lawmakers are concerned skyrocketing gas prices will negatively affect them during the November midterm elections. They are pushing Mr. Bush to investigate whether oil companies are gouging customers with high prices.

Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist and House Speaker Dennis Hastert wrote in a joint letter to Mr. Bush: "Anyone who is trying to take advantage of this situation while American families are forced into making tough choices over whether to fill up their cars or severely cut back their budgets should be investigated and prosecuted." Mr. Bush said during an event in Las Vegas that he will "make sure that the energy companies are pricing their product fairly."