L.A. Times Archives April 19, 1999 12 AM PT Share via Close extra sharing options Email Facebook X LinkedIn Threads Reddit WhatsApp Copy Link URL Copied! Print It’s not gasoline. It’s liquid extortion!JON MILLERLa Jolla More to Read Energy company profits are soaring with the Iran war. Here’s what California officials want to do Aug. 5, 2026 Gas giants use AI to raise prices, lawsuit says, another algorithmic hit to the cost of living July 1, 2026 Gas prices have surged more than 50% since the Iran war began — here’s why your pump is suffering May 7, 2026
