Gas rebates are coming to California drivers thanks to $50 million settlement. How to apply

Drivers in 10 California counties can get gas rebates due to a price gouging settlement between the state and three gas trading firms.

In 2020, the California Department of Justice sued Vitol, Inc., SK Energy Americas, Inc. and its parent company SK Trading International, alleging that the companies worked together in secret to manipulate prices after an explosion at a Torrance gasoline refinery in 2015.

The companies engaged “in a scheme to drive up gas prices for their own profit,” that limited competition and caused Californians to pay more at the pump, according to the attorney general’s office.

In July 2024, California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced that the state had reached a $50 million settlement with the companies.

Of that, $37.5 million will be distributed as gas rebates to impacted consumers in California.

People who purchased fuel in select parts of the state can now apply to get money back, Bonta said in an Oct. 2 news release .

Who is eligible to get gas rebates?

Anyone who filled up their tank in parts of Central or Southern California between Feb. 20, 2015, and Nov. 10, 2015, can submit a claim.

If you bought gas in Los Angeles, San Diego, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Kern, Ventura, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo or Imperial counties during this time period, you are eligible for a gas rebate.

Call 877-725-7523 or email peoplesinfo@calgaslitigation.com to learn if you were affected by the settlement.

How to submit a claim

Eligible consumers can submit a claim online at CalGasLitigation.com or mail in a claim form .

Applicants are asked to provide their name, address, driver’s license number and answer questions verifying they bought gas in 2015.

You must apply by Jan. 8, 2025, to receive money from the settlement.

How much money will California drivers get?

According to the settlement website, the amount of payment people receive will depend on how many valid claims are submitted..

When will gas rebate be distributed?

There is no set date on when settlement checks will be delivered.

On Feb. 28, 2025, the San Francisco County Superior Court of California will hold a hearing on whether to approve the settlement. The approval and appeals process could take more than a year, the settlement website said.

Gas rebates will be sent to Californians once the case is resolved.

Claimants can receive settlement funds through an electronic payment account, such as PayPal, Venmo or Zelle, or as a paper check.

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