Senate Energy Committee to Probe High Gas Prices

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he Senate Energy Committee will probe high gasoline prices at a Sept. 8 hearing, the committee said in a statement.

The hearing will focus on gasoline costs and factors contributing to current high prices, including global oil demand, constraints on refinery capacity and increased speculation in the futures market, the committee said.

Average regular gasoline prices rose 6.2 cents to $2.612 a gallon, a new record, the Energy Department said Monday.

Sen. Jeff Bingaman (D-N.M.), ranking member of the Senate Energy Committee, said rising gasoline prices are hurting American businesses and communities.

“Clearly, we need to have the very best advice and counsel on what actions can be taken to help lower the cost of gasoline,” Bingaman said.

The committee said it would announce witnesses for the hearing Sept. 2.

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