Discriminatory zone pricing exists in San Diego . The oil companies do not charge what the market is willing to pay, but what the market will bear. When wholesale prices drop, the drop is not reflected at the pump. When wholesale prices rise, the increase is reflected on the street within 24 hours. We have documented a price increase that occurred when the wholesale price was at record lows, while price decreases seem to be more a product of public opinion than market demand.
Independent stations keep prices low .
Without a strong independent presence in San Diego, prices will skyrocket. This presence is about to be lost. In addition, ARCO may have used indirect threats against its competitors in order to maintain artificially high prices.