INDIANAPOLIS -- Fluctuating gas prices are expected to be a major topic of debate when the attorneys general from each state will converge in Washington D.C. next week.

Problem? Contact Call 6 Sign Up: Call 6 Alerts

Indiana law requires the governor to declare an energy emergency before the attorney general can go after gas stations suspected of inflating prices, Call 6's Rafael Sanchez reported. But Attorney General Steve Carter's office, in coordination with AAA, has been monitoring gas pricing on a monthly basis to make sure prices are in line with market forces, and to have a log of information in case an emergency is declared.

"We have seen a recent run-up in prices. I am glad that over the last couple of days prices have fallen 15 cents in central Indiana," Carter said.

The state's gas gouging hotline recorded the most complaints in August around Labor Day weekend, when some gas prices averaged more than above $1.75 a gallon, Sanchez reported. Another spike in complaints occurred in February when prices averaged above $1.40 a gallon.

"The last time the nation's attorneys general put an industry on notice, it cost cigarette makers billions," Carter said. "With regard to tobacco, there was evidence that companies had withheld info from the government. That has not been the case with gasoline pricing."

The state hotline to report excessive gas prices is (866) 241-9753.