Zooming Oil Price Makes 'Hot Fuel' Fix More Urgent: Consumer Groups Hold Audio News Conference Thursday on Hidden Charge at Pump as Memorial Day Holiday Approaches

WASHINGTON, May 21 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ The following is being issued by Public Citizen:

WHAT: Consumer Watchdog, Public Citizen and Owner Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) will hold an audio news conference Thursday to criticize the oil industry for its double whammy on consumers: sky high gas prices with gasoline near $4 gallon plus a hidden charge at the pump, especially in warm summer months, from the "hot fuel" ripoff. Drivers are now paying $3 billion per year in hidden charges at the pump for fuel that expands and loses value as it heats up. With oil crossing the $132/barrel mark today, the "hot fuel" problem is likely to get even more expensive for consumers.

WHEN: 11:30 a.m. EDT, Thursday, May 22, 2008

WHERE: By phone from:
Washington, D.C.
Santa Monica, CA
Kansas City, MO

WHO: Joan Claybrook, President, Public Citizen
Judy Dugan, Research Director, Consumer Watchdog

John Siebert, Project Team Leader, Owner Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA)

CALL-IN NUMBER: 1-800-886-5735
Password #3845076#

BACKGROUND: Consumers pay a "hot fuel" surcharge for each gallon of gas in warmer months because the temperature of the fuel they are buying is concealed from them. Heat expands gasoline and diesel fuel, making each gallon worth less. A major lawsuit has been filed for this deceptive practice, which can cost consumers tens of dollars and truckers hundreds of dollars per year. For more information, contact Joy Howell, 202-828-7838; Andrew Sprung at 646-792-3739 or Joe Newman (Public Citizen) at 202-588-7703.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: Public Citizen

CONTACT: Joy Howell, +1-202-828-7838, or Andrew Sprung, +1-646-792-3739,
both of Cambridge Strategic Partners; or Joe Newman of Public Citizen,
+1-202-588-7703

2008-05-21 17:21:13 0368265 PRNEWSWIRE