The cumulative effect of it all on democracy would be so significant that regulators ought to be paying close attention. The Pioneer deal not only seems to be a huge bet to take advantage of that expected failure; it is also a commitment to contribute to the failure. Larger, consolidated oil companies have incentives to restrain production, restricting supply to artificially sustain high prices. Higher oil prices would mean higher gasoline prices at the pump — a classic antitrust concern. Her legal team could make a case built around the potential harm the deal would do to competition in the oil market.

---

Persons: Lina Khan’s Organizations: Exxon, Federal Trade Commission, Pioneer Locations: Paris, Texas