Why would he get fined? Is gas regulated by the government like milk is?
Some states implement price gouging rules to prevent price spikes.
This guy more than doubling the price of gas, with the sign turned off, to me is price gouging during the shortage.
Examples include, but are not limited to:
- water
- ice
- food
- generators
- batteries
- home repair services
- tree removal services
- motor fuels
The basic test for determining if a price is unconscionable, is whether the post-disaster price charged by the "supplier" grossly exceeds the price charged for the same or similar goods or services either by the same supplier, or within the same trade area, during the ten (10) days immediately prior to the disaster. Complaints relating to sales of "necessary goods and services" other than motor fuels should be filed with the Office of the Attorney General.
Complaints relating to sales of motor fuels should be filed with the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Office of Weights and Measures.
OAG Consumer Protection