Isnt price gouging during a disaster a pretty serious crime?

[KelleyKramer]

For the type outfits that go into a hurricane or tornado ravaged area and sell $99 chainsaws for like $1000 or $1500 a pop. Seems like years ago I heard or read that if you get caught gouging during a national disaster then the fines and jail time increase.

But what I'm really talking about are these ripoff gas prices, and make no mistake, they are just like the scumbags mentioned above.

I live in the deep south and everyone in my town has gotten in a panic and went to fill up their car(s), so now stations are running out, which makes it even easier for the ones who have it to rip you off even more.

The one station near me that has fuel is selling it for 4.99 gallon, yesterday the same place had it for 3.59.... thats a 1.40 jump in less than 24 hours. That is flat out and out highway robbery price gouging.

I went inside and told them that I live right down the street, come in there almost every day (I'm positive he recognized me) and to take a good look at me, because that is the last time I will ever show my face in that place for the rest of my life. And you can take your $5 gallon gas and shove it right up your ass.

Does anyone know how (or where) to check and see if there are price gouging laws on the books? I dont even know if that would be state, local, or what.

I would love to call and make a police report on one of these bastards.

/rant

Thanks
Kelley

[flvegan]

1. IIRC, gouging during a disaster is a Federal issue, not state or local.

Getting the gas stations on this is a tough sell. Now if they jumped to $10/gallon overnight, someone might listen. That said, if you can find something and can nail them on it, then definitely high praise to you.

[KelleyKramer]

3. A 39% increase, and no way that gas was refined after the storm..

Personally, I would bet thats the same gas he had yesterday (most of those underground tanks hold 10k gallons or more).

And even if he did get a tanker in today, its still physically impossible for that gas to have been refined after the storm hit.

He just jacked the price up because he could.

[flvegan]

4. I agree with you completely.

But with gas, I think it's tricky. Since ALL the stations do it, I think you'd have to complain about all of them en masse because they'll all plead the supply v demand rule, and some states have laws about undercutting gas prices I think. I can't verify that last part, but I've read that a couple times.

[KelleyKramer]

8. If all the stores charged $1000 for chainsaws, its still gouging

Just because all your competitors are breaking the law, its still a crime.

Maybe a complaint en mass is just whats needed.

And if some kind of complaint drive led to an official investigation of how supply and demand affects the way the oil industry set their prices... I'm certainly all for that.

[Demeter]

2. It Depends on the State

Michigan has some rules against gouging, which will have to be enforced Monday, since gas went up 50 cents yesterday....

[trotsky]

5. John "Corporate Tool" Stossel thought it was completely the opposite.

I'll never forget when he got on his little 20/20 soapbox and argued that price gougers are a GOOD thing during times of disaster. His "reasoning"? By charging $100 for a bottle of clean water, they help ensure that more people will have a chance to get SOME water! Hard to argue with "logic" like that, huh?

[GOPisEvil]

6. Your state's attorney general is the place to make your report.

Generally, they are responsible for consumer protection*.


* The level of which is determined by the particular AG.

[bemildred]

7. Price gouging is what Corporatism is all about. nt

[Igel]

9. Yes, it's serious.

But no all charging of $1000 for a chainsaw is created equal.

If there's a disaster in Georgia, and retailers in Georgia are charging $1000 it's a different matter than if the retailer's in Vermont. Granted, it's one economy, one market, but still the immediacy of the situation in Georgia matters. If it didn't, gouging would merely be another term for "pricing yourself out of the market".

[KelleyKramer]

10. Check this out...

Not sure what to think about this...

Dept of Agriculture and Industries?

Well, its a start I suppose...

http://www.waff.com/global/story.asp?s=9001127

Governor Riley Declares State of Emergency, Price Gouging Law Goes Into Effect

Governor Bob Riley on Friday afternoon declared a state of emergency for Alabama after he received new information from the U.S. Department of Energy that energy shortages will likely occur in the state due to Hurricane Ike.

The Governor's declaration notes that "disruption of essential utility services, systems and severe energy shortages will likely occur." Earlier in the day, the Governor's Office noted that an Alabama governor's ability to declare a state of emergency was very limited.

By law, an Alabama governor cannot declare a state of emergency unless there has been or there is anticipated to be an attack on the United States, a natural disaster of major proportions impacting Alabama or a public health emergency.

"I believe this new information means a threat to public health is a strong possibility due to the shortage of fuels," said Governor Riley. "I deem it an emergency."

The state law that prohibits "unconscionable pricing" of items for sale or rent goes into effect when the governor has declared a state of emergency.

If you do suspect someone is taking advantage of the gas situation, please notify the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries. The number is 1-800-642-7761, extension 7130.

Or you can call the Alabama Attorney General's office at 1-800-392-5658.

[Hubert Flottz]

11. Nothing is a crime if you own the government like the oil companies

do.