| Third Congressional District,
Indiana 2352 Rayburn Building Washington,D.C. 20515 202-225-3915 |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
SOUTH BEND, IN -- Concerned about rising gas prices, U.S. Rep. Tim Roemer met this week with President Clinton to urge the Administration to take steps immediately to stabilize and lower the price of fuel.
"Higher fuel prices are hitting Hoosiers square in the pocketbook," said Roemer who noted that local gasoline prices have increased from roughly 90 cents to $1.44 a gallon. "Whether it's farmers preparing for Spring planting, home owners paying for heating oil, or a family running weekly errands, these higher prices will make it harder for households to make ends meet."
During his meeting with Clinton at the White House, Roemer repeated several of the points he made in a letter to the President several weeks ago concerning the rising price of fuel.
"I want to make sure that Americans are not forced to pay unfair prices at the gas pump in the coming months," continued Roemer. "I have urged President Clinton to do everything he can to bring down gasoline prices while putting pressure on oil-producing countries to increase production. I also support a vigorous review and enforcement of anti-trust laws and the development of alternative energy sources and increased fuel efficiency and conservation efforts reflected in our budget priorities."
Roemer also has spoken with the Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission, Robert Pitofsky, urging that the Commission remain vigilant against possible unfair pricing patterns in the oil industry as a result of mergers or anti-competitive practices.
The U.S. Department of Energy recently estimated that gas prices could reach
$2.00 a gallon by this summer.