BP, Marathon, 7-Eleven, Walmart sued for allegedly using AI to boost California gas prices

California drivers have filed a class action lawsuit against gas station operators, including BP, Circle K, Marathon, 7-Eleven, Walmart, and Albertsons. The plaintiffs allege these companies used an AI-based tool to analyze competitor data and coordinate higher pump prices. This action reportedly violates the Cartwright Act, California's primary antitrust law. The lawsuit claims the defendants utilized this artificial intelligence technology to inflate costs and extract more money from consumers across the state of California.