AI Fuel Pricing Allegations: Walmart, 7‑Eleven, Albertsons, BP Sued Over Gas Price Spike

AI fuel pricing tool under scrutiny

Federal plaintiffs allege that a suite of retailers—including Walmart, 7‑Eleven, Albertsons and BP—leveraged an AI fuel pricing system to inflate gasoline rates across California. The class action, filed in the U.S. District Court in Sacramento, claims the algorithm, supplied by Kalibrate, coordinated pump data to push prices up to ↑ $0.30 per gallon, generating an estimated ↑ $134 million in excess revenue annually. California’s average regular gasoline price hit $5.56 per gallon on Tuesday, a ↓ $1.64 gap above the national average of $3.92, according to AAA. Plaintiffs argue the practice violates the Cartwright Act and Assembly Bill 325, which bans algorithmic price fixing.

“Consumers are being robbed while an AI‑driven cartel ensures uniform, inflated rates,” the complaint states.

The filing cites Reuters and Bloomberg for supporting data. Walmart’s spokesperson said the company is reviewing the complaint and will respond appropriately. Kalibrate, BP, Albertsons and 7‑Eleven have not yet commented.