United States. Congress

“ It is unlawful for any person, directly or indirectly, to use or employ, in connection with the purchase or sale of crude oil gasoline or petroleum distillates at wholesale, any manipulative or deceptive device or contrivance, in contravention of such rules and regulations as the Federal Trade Commission may prescribe as necessary or appropriate in the public interest or for the protection of United States citizens. ”

“ Method.— The penalties provided by subsection (a) shall be obtained in the same manner as civil penalties imposed under section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 45) . (c) Multiple Offenses; Mitigating Factors.— In assessing the penalty provided by subsection (a) — (1) each day of a continuing violation shall be considered a separate violation; and (2) the court shall take into consideration, among other factors— (A) the seriousness of the violation; and (B) the efforts of the person committing the violation to remedy the harm caused by the violation in a timely manner. ”