Higher prices but $6.99/gal sounds like plain price gouging and not making up for higher costs.
Think so, go to California, the average price there right now is over $5, is that gouging?
I have no problem with any business person charging whatever they want. If too high, the customer will go somewhere else, the essence of free markets. However if a business person conspires with other dealers to maintain a high price level, or if he buys up all the businesses in the area, then that should be a crime.