The latest state report on gasoline prices finds the statewide average for June at a dollar-77 a gallon. That’s a jump of 34 cents from May, the largest one-month increase in the 20-year history of the monthly surveys. Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley says the high prices are sparking outrage. He says the rapid rise has really raised concerns.Grassley is appealing to President Clinton to release some of the half-billion barrels of oil in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. He says those reserves would enhance the supply of oil and bring gas prices down.Grassley has joined those members of Congress who are asking U-S Attorney General Janet Reno to launch an immediate investigation into gas prices, which are much higher in the Midwest than other parts of the U-S. The republican from Iowa says price-gouging itself may not be illegal. But, he says if there is any wrongdoing, he expects criminal action to be taken.OPEC ministers are expected to agree this week to boost petroleum production by at least 500-thousand barrels a day. Analysts predict the increase won’t lead to cheaper prices at the pump for several weeks.
