Justice Department urges state attorneys to probe oil firms over pump price spikes

The U.S. Justice Department has issued a request to state attorneys general. It asks them to employ every tool provided by their state statutes. The aim is to examine alleged misconduct by oil companies. The focus is on practices that may have caused elevated gasoline prices. DOJ officials say high pump prices warrant a coordinated investigation. States are encouraged to join the federal inquiry into the industry. The department hopes state probes will uncover any illegal behavior. Findings could lead to enforcement actions or policy changes.