WASHINGTON, DC -- The Department of Energy this week announced that it was assisting Michigan and Arizona consumers by providing them with a toll-free Gas Price Hotline, through which they could report instances of suspected price inflation or price gouging.

The response to the Hotline so far has been very active, with some callers being unable to get through during certain peak demand hours. To reduce the amount of time callers spend on hold, and to increase the number of consumers who can access the Hotline, the Energy Department has established a web site to collect the information as well.

When operators are not available to take callers' information, or if consumers would prefer to use the web, they can provide relevant information on the gasoline price situation by accessing the Gas Price Hotline web site at: http://gaswatch.energy.gov/ .

Media Contact(s):
Drew Malcomb, 202/586-5806