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Caldwell County Group Boycotts Gas Stations

A Caldwell County advocacy group is boycotting local gas stations to protest high prices. Close to 200 local residents have joined the boycott, which runs began at midnight last night and runs through Friday. Retired local teacher Roy Gene Rogers formed the Caldwell County Kentucky Economic Growth, or KEG, Party in September. Roger says gas prices have been consistently 20 to 30 cents higher in Caldwell than surrounding counties for at least 15 years.

“It is draining funds from our citizens here in Caldwell County that could be used on other goods and services which would stimulate jobs for around here," he said.

Rogers says KEG Party members have so far purchased over 1,000 gallons of gas outside the county. He says despite the drive outside Caldwell, it’s still cheaper to fill the tank in a neighboring county. Rogers adds the point of the boycott is not to hurt businesses.

“We know that this is not going to have a major financial impact on the distributors or the operators of the stations, but it’s bringing us together, and it’s getting more people on board," he said.

The group hopes to get an answer to why Caldwell gas prices are high. They plan a town hall meeting Thursday, November 8, and have invited gas station operators, fuel distributors, and other interested parties.

Rogers says they have also asked the Kentucky Attorney General’s office and the Federal Trade Commission to investigate the possibility of collusion and price fixing.

He says other possible steps include a billboard campaign, and a class action suit.

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