DOJ and FTC urge states to probe antitrust tied to high gas prices

Gas prices can feel stubborn even as crude oil moves lower. On July 3, 2026, the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division and the Federal Trade Commission sent a letter to state attorneys general urging them to investigate and enforce state antitrust and consumer-protection laws where illegal petroleum-market conduct may be keeping more of any price cut from reaching drivers and small businesses.

The agencies frame the move as a call to action to state partners—not as an announcement that the federal government has filed a new case.

What DOJ and FTC actually did

DOJ and FTC say the July 3 letter encourages state AGs to take similar enforcement steps under state law, including looking at conduct that can manipulate retail prices or involve collusion among competitors in petroleum markets.

What they’re focused on (competition law and “unfair or deceptive” conduct)

In their letter, DOJ and FTC point to antitrust theories that cover agreements among competitors—such as conduct involving fixing prices, rigging bids, and allocating markets. They also note the FTC’s role in challenging unfair and deceptive acts or practices connected to market harm.

Why this isn’t just “price gouging”

The letter draws a key distinction: DOJ and FTC say they do not enforce laws aimed specifically at “price gouging” rather than anticompetitive conduct. At the same time, they urge states that have enacted price-gouging statutes during emergencies or market disruption to review whether enforcement is warranted under those laws.

What consumers can do now (federal reporting paths)

To DOJ (antitrust crime reporting): DOJ points the public to its Antitrust Division “Citizen Complaint Center” at 888-647-3258, and to the report violations submission process.

To the FTC (antitrust and unfair/deceptive conduct): FTC directs people to submit suspected antitrust violations and unfair or deceptive practices through its antitrust complaint intake process (and it also directs reports to ReportFraud).

Whistleblower rewards: what the letter says

The communication also highlights DOJ’s Antitrust Division Whistleblower Rewards Program. DOJ says a whistleblower may be eligible when they provide original information about antitrust (or government procurement) crimes that result in criminal penalties of at least $1 million. DOJ also describes presumptive awards that can range from 15% to 30% of the criminal fine or other recovery, noting that payments are discretionary.

What to watch next

• State AG announcements: Look for new state investigations or enforcement actions in petroleum retail pricing markets.
• Information requests: If states pursue cases, the first visible steps often include document demands and compliance inquiries.
• How states frame their legal theories: Expect some filings to cite both competition-law theories and, where relevant, state price-gouging statutes.

Until a state files a case or issues a formal enforcement announcement, treat the DOJ/FTC letter as a documented federal signal to state enforcers—not proof of wrongdoing by any specific company.

Sources

• DOJ Office of Public Affairs press release (July 3, 2026; updated July 6, 2026)
• FTC — Antitrust Complaint Intake (ReportFraud guidance + antitrust submission webform)