In wake of high gas prices on the Central Coast, Congresswoman Lois Capps is among those asking for a federal investigation. In a statement, Capps, who represents the 24th Congressional District and is running for re-election said the current spike in gas prices has been incredibly hard on customers and small businesse up and down the state. In a letter Capps sent to Federal Trade Commission Chairman Jon Liebowitz, she said the unique circumstances surrounding this spike in prices raises serious questions regarding possible market manipulation that demand an immediate investigation. The spike in gas prices has been blamed on refinery problems, including a fire and low fuel inventories. Capps asked Liebowitz and the Commission to utilize their regulatory authority and responsibility to ensure that Californians are not being taken advantage of.