Lawmakers Demand FTC Probe Into 7-Eleven and Circle K Overcharging

Five US House members are demanding federal and state action after a Guardian investigation found that 7-Eleven and Circle K frequently charge customers more at registers and fuel pumps than the prices posted on signs. Between 2023 and 2025, both chains failed significant percentages of price-accuracy inspections in several states, including Arizona, Colorado, Utah, Florida, and North Carolina.

Representative Becca Balint urged the Federal Trade Commission to investigate the trend, while Representative Laura Friedman called for state and local officials to hold stores accountable under California law. The push for oversight follows similar findings regarding Dollar General and Family Dollar, which previously prompted 30 House members to demand answers from those chains. Economists and critics suggest that current modest fines fail to deter large retail chains from these practices.

In response, 7-Eleven stated it takes pricing accuracy very seriously, and Circle K said it is committed to complying with all applicable laws and regulations.