AG gets just four replies on gas query

Monday, March 31, 2003 | 11:14 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- Only four oil companies met Attorney General Brian Sandoval's deadline for explanations about Nevada's record high gasoline prices.

A barrage of consumer complaints spurred Sandoval to write to 13 oil companies two weeks ago asking them to justify the spike in prices. He followed up with another letter Wednesday.

Sandoval's press secretary, Tom Sargent, said today that the attorney met personally with representatives of British Petroleum last week. Replies also were filed by the Friday deadline by Exxon Mobile, Chevron Texaco and Valero Energy.

"We're trying to put the pressure on the remaining ones to file their responses," said Sargent. "We don't want to piecemeal this."

He said Sandoval wants time to evaluate the answers. Sandoval expects to make a statement by midweek as to whether the firms appear to have legitimate reasons for the increases, Sargent said.

Nevada ranks third in the nation in current fuel prices "yet there is little information in the media that would seem to justify this," Sandoval said.

Gas prices have gone down slightly but oil industry analysts say this is only temporary relief.

The attorney general said last week "consumer complaints and media attention suggest that there is much doubt as to gas prices rising due to bona fide market conditions."

Sandoval has not said what action, if any, he would take if he thinks the price increases are not justified. He has already said that he does not intend to issue subpoenas if the companies ignore his request.