The Office of Energy Independence today released an analysis refuting oil industry claims that shortages of gasoline supply have resulted in higher gas prices. The analysis suggests that consolidation of oil refineries and excessive oil company profits are driving up gasoline prices in Wisconsin.
Governor Jim Doyle made the following statement in response to today’s analysis, demanding an explanation from big oil companies, and calling for relief at the pump for middle class families:
“Today’s news is further evidence of market manipulation by big oil companies. Using any excuse necessary, these companies have been reaping huge profits on the backs of middle class families for years. It s time that families who struggle to fill up their gas tanks find relief and its time that companies start paying their fair share.”
Last spring, Governor Doyle called on the Bush Administration to capture the excess profits of big oil companies and return them to the American people. In his budget, Gov. Doyle has proposed a big oil assessment to help Wisconsin taxpayers fund the cost of roads and infrastructure by making big oil companies pay a percentage of the sales.
Read a copy of the Office of Energy Independence’s full analysis: http://www.wisgov.state.wi.us/docview.asp?docid=11263.
