THE NEW YORK TIMES: (AP) OIL COMPANY SETTLES GOUGING COMPLAINT: Wednesday 23 November 2005

Metro Briefs

Amerada Hess has settled charges that it gouged drivers with higher gas prices after Hurricane Katrina, by agreeing to pay $372,391 to reimburse state and local governments for legal costs, Acting Gov. Richard J. Codey's office said yesterday.

Some of the money will go to an energy and motoring assistance program for the poor, the office said.

New York-based Hess, which acknowledged no wrongdoing, agreed to follow state law on pricing. The state charged in September that Hess, Motiva Shell and Sunoco artificially inflated prices and increased prices more than the once every 24 hours, the state limit. Independent operators selling Hess, Shell, Sunoco and Citgo brands were also sued. Cases against the others are pending. (AP)

Compiled by John Sullivan

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