Who is eligible for California gas rebates?
If you are a California resident and have been buying gasoline in Southern California, specifically in 2015, there is a high chance that you are eligible for a gas rebate. A $50 million settlement was reached between California State and gas trading companies, Vitol and SK Energy Americas for a manipulation on gas prices, which affected the pockets of Californians in a major way. This is particularly useful if you own a motorcycle because it is likely that in order to maintain high fuel efficiency you will have to visit gas stations very often, so your claim could even be higher.
To qualify, you must have purchased gas between February 20, 2015, and November 10, 2015, in one of the following counties:
- Los Angeles
- San Diego
- Orange
- Riverside
- San Bernardino
- Kern
- Ventura
- Santa Barbara
- San Luis Obispo
- Imperial
If you shopped at gas stations in any of these regions during the specified period, you are eligible to submit a claim.
How do I submit my claim for gas rebates?
Filing a claim to get your gas rebate is relatively simple. The California Department of Justice has made it straightforward for eligible Californians to receive compensation. You can submit your claim through the official website www.CalGasLitigation.com.
Here is what you will need to submit your claim:
- Your full name
- Driver’s license number
- Address, phone number, and email address
- Preferred electronic payment method (PayPal, Venmo, or Zelle)
The deadline to submit your claim is January 8, 2025, so be sure to file as soon as possible.
How much money can you expect to receive?
While the exact amount each person will receive is still unclear, it will depend on how many claims are submitted before the January 8 deadline. The settlement fund is $50 million, which will be distributed based on the number of valid claims. Since motorcycle owners tend to fill up frequently due to smaller gas tanks, this could mean you have accumulated many eligible purchases, resulting in a more significant payout.
If you bought gas at multiple locations within the specified counties during 2015, you are encouraged to file claims for every eligible purchase. The more entries you submit, the better your chances of getting a larger portion of the settlement.
What led to the gas price settlement?
The reason California is offering these gas rebates stems from a legal battle involving price manipulation by two major energy firms, Vitol, Inc., and SK Energy Americas, Inc. The companies were accused of artificially inflating gas prices in Southern California during a time when residents were already struggling with high fuel costs. This illegal market manipulation caused consumers to pay more than they should have at the pump.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta described the situation as a clear case of price gouging. “Market manipulation and price gouging are illegal and unacceptable, particularly during times of crisis when people are most vulnerable,” Bonta said. This settlement represents a form of justice for those affected by the higher-than-normal gas prices in 2015.
Why should California motorcycle owners act now?
For those of you who own a motorcycle, it is a fact that a portion of your expenditure goes to buying gas. This settlement gives you a chance to recover some of your money back. Additionally, gas prices have increased over the past few years and so any refund will provide the needed relief. Also, it only takes a few minutes to file your claim but you can bring back hundreds of dollars in your pockets.
This is not simply a rebate offer – it is an opportunity to claim the excess amounts that you were charged. The purpose of the $50 million dollar settlement is to restore cash consumers who were affected.
Important details to remember
- Claims must be submitted by January 8, 2025.
- You must have purchased gasoline between February 20 and November 10, 2015, in one of the eligible Southern California counties.
- Visit www.CalGasLitigation.com to file your claim and include your preferred payment method for faster processing.
Remember not to miss out on this opportunity. If you bought gas in Southern California in 2015 and meet the eligibility requirements, filing a claim is a straightforward process that could put a significant refund in your pocket.
