Federal judge says Kentucky can sue Marathon Oil

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Kentucky has scored its first victory in its federal antitrust lawsuit against Marathon Petroleum Co.

The Courier-Journal reports (http://cjky.it/1XpoSk1) that a judge recently denied most of the oil company’s motion to dismiss the claims, meaning the case will move forward.

Marathon spokesman Jamal Kheiry says the company doesn’t comment on pending litigation.

The office of former Attorney General Jack Conway sued Marathon last May, saying Marathon violated federal laws by using supply agreements and deed restrictions on real estate to limit competition. Conway argued that as a consequence, some Kentucky customers had to pay higher prices at the gas pump.

Marathon’s lawyers responded by saying, in part, that Conway didn’t have authority to recover damages under the Clayton Antitrust Act.

Judge David Hale ruled last week in favor of the state. All but one of the claims brought by Kentucky will proceed.

___

Information from: The Courier-Journal, http://www.courier-journal.com

 

Register for our Birthday/Anniversary Club!!

X