Post by Woody Williams on Aug 31, 2005 19:02:39 GMT -5
Don't gouge, official warns gas stations
By Jaime Malarkey
jaime.malarkey@indystar.com
Indiana Attorney General Steve Carter is warning gasoline retailers against price gouging and urging consumers to maintain their normal gas-buying routine in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.
The storm Monday knocked out oil production at hundreds of oil platforms and refineries in the Gulf of Mexico, raising supply concerns for retailers across the country. Indianapolis-based Crystal Flash Petroleum stopped selling gas at many of their pumps across the state and other stores began hiking prices as demand increased.
The average price for unleaded fuel in Indianapolis today is $2.617, fractions of a penny more than Tuesday’s average of $2.613, according to AAA Hoosier Motor Club. But many stations across the state are charging significantly more. Indiana consumers are reporting prices ranging from $3.19 to $3.50 a gallon on www.gasbuddy.com.
To be legally considered gouging, Indiana has to be in an official state of emergency and the price in question has to be as much as several dollars over the average market price, said Staci Schneider, spokeswoman for the attorney general. Schneider said complaints about gas prices have increased in the past day and said staff are carefully monitoring the crude oil market.
Following the Sept. 11 terrorism attack, the office received more than 3,200 complaints of gasoline gouging. Out of 125 stations investigated in the state, 67 retailers were cleared of accusations and 58 stations admitted to excessively raising prices.
“Let us all be cautious and remember the unnecessary panic that arose following 9-11," Carter said in a statement. “We must all act responsible and recognize that certain events may result in higher prices.”
By Jaime Malarkey
jaime.malarkey@indystar.com
Indiana Attorney General Steve Carter is warning gasoline retailers against price gouging and urging consumers to maintain their normal gas-buying routine in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.
The storm Monday knocked out oil production at hundreds of oil platforms and refineries in the Gulf of Mexico, raising supply concerns for retailers across the country. Indianapolis-based Crystal Flash Petroleum stopped selling gas at many of their pumps across the state and other stores began hiking prices as demand increased.
The average price for unleaded fuel in Indianapolis today is $2.617, fractions of a penny more than Tuesday’s average of $2.613, according to AAA Hoosier Motor Club. But many stations across the state are charging significantly more. Indiana consumers are reporting prices ranging from $3.19 to $3.50 a gallon on www.gasbuddy.com.
To be legally considered gouging, Indiana has to be in an official state of emergency and the price in question has to be as much as several dollars over the average market price, said Staci Schneider, spokeswoman for the attorney general. Schneider said complaints about gas prices have increased in the past day and said staff are carefully monitoring the crude oil market.
Following the Sept. 11 terrorism attack, the office received more than 3,200 complaints of gasoline gouging. Out of 125 stations investigated in the state, 67 retailers were cleared of accusations and 58 stations admitted to excessively raising prices.
“Let us all be cautious and remember the unnecessary panic that arose following 9-11," Carter said in a statement. “We must all act responsible and recognize that certain events may result in higher prices.”
