MILAN - U.S. Rep. Phil Hare, D-Rock Island, wants to provide relief to businesses that use a lot of gasoline.

Rep. Hare took a tour of the United Parcel Service (UPS) in Milan Wednesday.

While high gas prices affect people, they also take a financial toll on UPS and other businesses that transport goods or services, Rep. Hare said. As fuel prices rise, companies often pass those costs on to the consumer.

UPS drivers in Milan use 10,000 gallons of gas every two weeks, according to business manager Kerry Snyder. "It's had a big impact," he said.

The business buys fuel at a set price six months ahead of time, Mr. Snyder said.

Rep. Hare said he voted for legislation last week that would give the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) the authority to investigate companies that artificially inflate gas prices. If there's proof that a company gouges gas prices, the FTC can fine it.

The congressman also voted for a bill that would allow the Justice Department to take legal action against nations or groups regulated by the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries that become involved in conspiracies to limit the supply of oil or fix its price. Cutting down the supply of oil increases its demand and artificially inflates the cost of gas.

He said he's convinced that oil companies are gouging gas prices. Rep. Hare also is outraged that Exxon-Mobil is earning $9.3 billion in the first quarter of this year.

Rep. Hare wants oil company executives to come forward under oath and explain why prices are so high. "People have a right to know."

He said if the prices can't be justified, Congress should enact windfall profit taxes, or taxes on extra profits, on oil companies.

Average gas prices for Wednesday

Quad-Cities

$3.211

USA

$3.184

Source: http://quadcitiesgasprices.com