California drivers urged to claim gas money back in $50 million settlement

FILE PHOTO

OAKLAND – California residents who purchased gas in Southern California in 2015 may get their money back in a $50 million settlement with gas trading firms.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta has urged California residents who purchased gas between Feb. 20, 2015 and Nov. 10, 2015 to submit a claim for payment under the state’s settlement with companies for tampering with and manipulating prices for California gasoline.

“Market manipulation and price gouging are illegal and unacceptable, particularly during times of crisis when people are most vulnerable,” Attorney General Bonta said in a press release.

“I am proud to deliver money back to Californians who were victims of gas price manipulation. As the People’s Attorney, I am committed to combating corporate greed and ensuring justice for the people of California.”

FILE PHOTO – California Attorney General Rob Bonta (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez, File)

In July, Attorney General Bonta announced the settlement with gas trading firms, resolving allegations that Vitol, Inc. and SK Energy Americas, Inc., along with its parent company SK Trading International, secretly worked together to tamper with and manipulate spot market prices for gasoline.

The Attorney General’s settlement is in addition to a settlement of a private class action lawsuit filed in federal court.

The defendants have agreed to pay the total amount of $50 million into two settlement funds to resolve the case.

Of this total amount, $37,500,000 will be distributed to consumers as compensation for violations of the Cartwright Act, minus payments for taxes, administration costs and attorneys’ fees, and $12,500,000 is assessed as a penalty under California’s Unfair Competition Law and will be used by state and local government to enforce consumer protection laws.

To submit a claim and access frequently asked questions, visit www.CalGasLitigation.com.

Who are eligible to submit a claim?

Those who live in California and purchased gas between Feb. 20, 2015, and Nov. 10, 2015, in the following Southern California counties:

Los Angeles

San Diego

Orange

Riverside

San Bernardino

Kern

Ventura

Santa Barbara

San Luis Obispo

Imperial

How to make a claim

Californians have until Jan. 8, 2025, to submit a claim online by visiting vlc.calgaslitigation.com. You can also request a form to fill out and send by mail.