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Updated: 3:22 PM Sep 5, 2008
Price Gouging Law Activated
RICHMOND, Va. Virginia Attorney General Bob McDonnell announced that the Virginia Post-Disaster Anti-Price Gouging Statute is now activated with the issuance of a State of Emergency by Gov. Tim Kaine.
Posted: 11:46 AM Sep 4, 2008 |
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2 Comments 
Virginia Attorney General Bob McDonnell announced that the Virginia Post-Disaster Anti-Price Gouging Statute is now activated with the issuance of a State of Emergency by Gov. Tim Kaine. Kaine issued the State of Emergency in advance of Tropical Storm Hanna, which is expected to impact the Commonwealth this weekend.
The Virginia Post-Disaster Anti-Price Gouging Act, which became law on July 1, 2004, prohibits the charging of "unconscionable" prices for "necessary goods and services" within the affected area during the 30-day period following issuance of a declared state of emergency.
The basic test under the statute is whether the price charged for the goods or services "grossly exceeds" the price charged immediately (within ten days) before the disaster. "Necessary goods and services" includes those goods or services for which demand does, or is likely to, increase as a result of the disaster.
Anyone who suspects price gouging should immediately report this to the Office of Consumer Affairs, which investigates complaints of this nature. The Office of the Attorney General works with Consumer Affairs to prosecute companies guilty of violating the statute. Citizens can contact the Office of Consumer Affairs at:
Office of Consumer Affairs
102 Governor Street
Richmond, Virginia 23219
804-786-2042 or 1-800-552-9963
804-225-2666 (fax)
http://www.vdacs.state.va.us/index.html
Or you can download a price-gouging complaint form by going online.
Latest Comments
Does the state or law makers protect those gas stations who have to sell below cost because of unreasonable competitions by other gas stations belonging to a large chain. If the government interferes with business they have an obligation to protect the business community too. Let them make a law that says the minimum price should not be below 6% or 10% of the cost of gas on any given day and set the max accordingly to 10% to 15%. NOBODY will take advantage AND POST UNREASONABLE PRICES DURING SUCH SHORTAGES. IF THE GOVERNOR CANNOT PROTECT THE BUSINESS HE CANNOT ALSO PREVENT THE PROFIT. LET PEOPLE STOP USING GAS GUZZLERS AND USE MORE ECONOMICAL VEHICLES.
On Friday September 12th the One Stop Shop in Gretna, VA is gouging to the tune of $5.49 cents per gallon @ 6:30 PM while across the street at Carter's Store the price is $3.99 per gallon for regular gas. All of the other stations in a fifteen-mile radius around the One Stop Store in Gretna prices is between $3.64 to 3.99 cents per gallon. This store owner is gouging and trying to force everyone else to raise their prices. The owner of the One Stop Shop should be prosecuted!
