GlobalBX

Suburban Chicago Newspapers:

Four local BPs are among of a group of gas stations suing their parent company, alleging that corporate pushed up gas prices and committed fraud.

According to a press release from attorney Carmen Caruso, stations in Aurora and Yorkville, as well as two Oswego stations, are among the 17 plaintiffs suing Naperville-based BP.

The stations are contesting the accuracy of fluctuating gas prices in the suit filed in Cook County.

“The consumers are really the ones who don’t know they’re getting gouged,” said Bill Figel, of a public relations firm working with Caruso.

Scott Dean, spokesman for Naperville-based BP, said they were unaware a press release had been issued on the suit. In any event, he added, the company does not comment on pending litigation.

The local stations are at 1402 N. Bridge St., Yorkville; 1395 Butterfield Road, Aurora; 6501 Route 34, Oswego; and 2791 Route 34, Oswego.

Managers and owners of the four local stations were not available for comment Thursday.

Caruso said he represents many franchises in suits against their parent company. When these owners feel backed into a corner, “they have to fight back or go out of business,” he said.

“This is not an optional war,” he said. “It’s out of necessity.”

Caruso said that BP, which collects and refines the oil used to make gasoline, sold franchises to owners with 20-year contracts. BP then sold the rights to sell their gas to middle men, who put out bad prices. That’s fraud, according to Caruso.

“I think the law has something to say about that,” Caruso said. “They darn well better be in good faith.”