Gov. Mike Johanns and Attorney General Jon Bruning have issued a joint press release assuring Nebraskans that the state is keeping an eye on gas prices.

They are asking people who suspect gas price gouging to contact the attorney general's consumer protection division.

Bruning said a climate of rising prices would encourage gouging, because consumers expect to pay more anyway. He added that the likelihood of price gouging occurring is low.

Chuck Salem, president of Lincoln's Salem Oil Company, said with wholesale prices creeping upward, consumers might yet see gas prices climb to $2 a gallon.