WASHINGTON, D.C. — The jump in gas prices getting you down? Congressman Bob Etheridge has heard the voices crying out from his district, pleading for him and other lawmakers to do something about it Etheridge, in a press release, shared that he was moving in that direction.

The only N.C. member of the House Ways and Means Committee, Etheridge sent a letter to Federal Trade Commission Chairman Jon Leibowitz just over a week ago, asking him to investigate constituent and business complaints from North Carolinians regarding the rising gas prices in the motor fuel market.

“Over the last four months, the price of a barrel of oil has been on a slow, steady increase and that means hundreds, if not thousands of dollars, out of the pockets of families,” said Etheridge. “Energy markets have stabilized but the price of purchasing fuel continues to rise with little, or no, explanation. Someone should explain these fluctuations.”

In a telephone interview, the congressman stated, “I am attempting to get them (Federal Trade Commission) to explain in a transparent and fair manner why there has been this continued increase in gas prices.”

According to AAA, prices at the pump for regular unleaded gasoline rose for 54 straight days, a climb that was only briefly interrupted when prices hit $2.70 a gallon on June 23. That price marked a 60 percent increase from where retail gasoline prices started in 2009. This does not reflect the average increase in the price of a barrel of oil.

Over the past four months, the price of a barrel of oil has been on a slow, steady climb, in contrast to 2008’s numerous price spikes. The result of this has been an average national price of $2.65 per gallon of gasoline. Although gas prices fluctuate regionally, in North Carolina they have remained between $2.30 and $2.60 per gallon for much of the past two months.

And though oil prices have been dipping in the last few days, there’s little reflection of the downward retreat at the pump.

Etheridge did not see any relationship between the Legislature’s enactment of the fuel tax base of $.0299 per gallon to replace the former gas tax cap. “That is a state matter. I do feel that my letter among other factors have influenced the chairman of the Regulatory Commission to help ensure that new regulations are put in place that put strong restrictions of the oil companies and the banks to stop playing in the oil trading markets.” The North Carolina Representative shared that there has been gouging done by these businesses and they need to be brought under control. “We do not really know why gas prices fall but increases in those costs has a great impact on every family.” He continued to add that there is legislation that has been introduced similar to one he had introduced a few years back that will look at controlling fuel prices. “People too often do not realize how much affect the rise in gasoline has on farmers. Not only does it cost the farmer more to produce his crops, it causes a rise in prices that eventually hit us in our pocketbook.”

As a result of concerns expressed by North Carolinians and other voters across the country, Etheridge commented that a joint meeting between the Agriculture Committee and the Regulatory Committee would be held within the next few days to help find a solution to this problem.

“I want to know for myself as well as my constituents why the prices keep going up. American families should not have to accept that gas prices are rising simply because a holiday travel season is upon us,” stated Etheridge. “The FTC, and other local and national authorities must do what we can to ensure that citizens are getting a fair shake at the pump.”

To contact Billy Todd, call 910-592-8137 ext. 117 or e-mail sigeneral@myclintonnc.com.