California warns of price gouging as gas hits $9 a gallon at select stations
California’s petroleum market watchdog warns retailers to avoid price gouging as some stations charge well above the state average amid global tensions; reports of $7–$9 per gallon at spots have spurred monitoring and potential investigations for illegal conduct and market manipulation. California’s isolated market, environmental rules, and taxes keep prices high, and regulators say they will refer suspected abuses for prosecution, while shoppers are urged to compare prices across brands.