Why did gas hit almost $9 a gallon?

SOUTH PLAINFIELD, N.J. (AP) - Lukoil North America is defending its pricing practices in response to a protest in New Jersey and Pennsylvania by more than 50 independent dealers.

The dealers increased prices to more than $8 a gallon Wednesday to raise consumer awareness about what they say are LukoilÆs unfair wholesale prices. They say theyÆve been put at a competitive disadvantage.

Lukoil says the complaints appear directed at "zone pricing," or varying prices charged to dealers based on what is happening in local marketplaces. The company says itÆs a "commercially reasonable" practice in compliance with state law.

Lukoil accuses the New Jersey gas station association of encouraging "public misstatements and ill-conceived actions" that harm consumers.