Puerto Rico Wants $274 Million From Gas Firms
The Puerto Rican government has asked three of the largest gas companies in the United States to reimburse it $247.2 million that the firms obtained through alleged illegal overcharging.
The Puerto Rican Consumer Affairs Department announced Thursday that a 1989 U.S. District Court of Appeals ruling makes Esso Standard Oil (Puerto Rico) Co., Texaco Puerto Rico Inc. and Shell Co. Puerto Rico liable for the return of the funds.
The government contends that the companies did not adhere to Consumer Affairs Department regulations between January, 1986, and June, 1989.
Shell and Texaco officials said they were “surprised” by the Puerto Rican government’s action. Esso Standard Oil did not immediately return phone calls.
The government said Texaco Puerto Rico owes $101.4 million in principal and interest, Esso Standard Oil $74 million and Shell Co. $70.9 million.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
