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Amanda Butterfield Reporting For almost two weeks now the Governor has been working with an investigative team to figure out why our gas prices are so high. Today the team made a big move.
Since the governor announced he formed a team to get to the bottom of high gas prices in Utah, prices have dropped a little bit, but not enough. This team isn't going to stop until prices are much lower.
Francine Giani/Utah Depart. of Commerce: "Really $2.30, $2.40 is a nice number. That's what's across the country."
But you won't find numbers like that in Utah, not even close. Californians and New Yorkers aren't even seeing numbers this high.
Francine Giani/Utah Depart. of Commerce: "We only have two states higher than us-- Hawaii and Alaska."
Kimberly Barton/ Consumer: "Usually you go somewhere, drive around and think, 'Yeah, I live in Utah. It's lower.' Now it's not. It's kind of a shock."
Under order of Governer Huntsman, Francine Giani is heading up a team that's investigating why the prices are so high. Today they sent letters to refineries and a retailer asking for financial statements, crude oil prices, and purchasing histories, all in an effort to figure out why it's costing us so much at the pump.
Carolee Janes: "They are crazy."
Bryce Janes: "They're very high."
Kimberly Barton: "They're high and ridiculous."
But there is something you can do about it.
Francine Giani/Utah Depart. of Commerce: "Consumers do have a responsibility here."
Take the time to find the station with the lowest price.
Francine Giani/Utah Depart. of Commerce: "Consumers need to take a look, go an extra half a mile. They're out there."
Kimberly Barton: "I do it. I kind of shop around."
Francine Giani/Utah Depart. of Commerce: "That purchasing power is critical."
In the meantime, Giani and her team will be anxiously waiting for replies to the letters sent out, because they've got Governor Hunstman to answer to.
Francine Giani/Utah Depart. of Commerce: "And by dang, we're going to find an answer for him."
In Salt Lake, the cheapest gas is the 7-11 on 2100 South and State Street, for $2.58.
