Chevron franchisees lose antitrust ruling, face bankruptcy

Gas station operators ordered to pay oil company's legal fees

VIDEO CNN's Don Knapp reports on the plight of independent Chevron franchise owners and their legal battle with the company Play video (QuickTime, Real or Windows Media)

SAN DIEGO (CNN) -- A legal fight waged for years by 22 current or former Chevron gas station operators in Southern California could bankrupt the independent dealers. A decision announced in San Diego County Superior Court spells the potential for their financial ruin.

The franchisees alleged in a lawsuit filed in 1992 that San Francisco-based Chevron tried to run them out of business -- and take over the gas stations -- by charging high prices for rent and gasoline.

At first, the franchisees won in court, only to lose on appeal.

The crushing blow came earlier this month when they were ordered to pay Chevron's court costs and attorney's fees -- $6.8 million.

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Chevron Corporation
San Diego Superior Court

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