Southern California drivers who purchased gasoline in 2015 are now eligible for reimbursement following class action lawsuits aimed at addressing price manipulation in the fuel market. California Attorney General Rob Bonta made the announcement on Wednesday, revealing that residents who bought gas in specific counties can file claims for compensation.
The eligible counties include Los Angeles, San Diego, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Kern, Ventura, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Imperial. Those who made gasoline purchases between February 20 and November 10, 2015, are encouraged to submit their claims by the deadline of January 8, 2025.
Attorney General Bonta emphasized the importance of holding companies accountable for illegal practices, stating, “Market manipulation and price gouging are illegal and unacceptable, particularly during times of crisis when people are most vulnerable. 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.”
This initiative follows a significant $50 million settlement reached in July with Vitol Inc. and SK Energy Americas Inc., alongside its parent company, SK Trading International. The lawsuit alleged that these firms engaged in collusion to manipulate market prices for gasoline in California. Of the total settlement, $37.5 million is earmarked for consumers affected by these practices.
While the companies involved did not admit to any wrongdoing as part of the settlement, the implications of their actions have led to increased scrutiny over pricing strategies within the fuel industry. Additionally, there is a private class action lawsuit in federal court that complements this state settlement.
The private class action settlement amounts to $13.93 million and includes individuals who were not California residents at the time of their gasoline purchases. This settlement applies to consumers who bought gas in California from a retailer for personal use—not for resale—between February 18, 2015, and May 31, 2017. Verita Global is managing the claims process for this settlement.
Claimants should be aware that the amount they receive will depend on which settlement they qualify for and will vary based on the total amount spent on gasoline during the specified time frame. This reimbursement opportunity is a significant step towards addressing the grievances of consumers who felt the impact of unjust pricing practices in the fuel market.
As the process unfolds, affected drivers are encouraged to gather their purchase records and stay informed about the claims submission process to ensure they receive the compensation they deserve.
