Close [x]

AG Corbett announces multi-state probe of dramatic jump in gas prices - warns against price gouging

HARRISBURG - Attorney General Tom Corbett today announced that he has joined with Attorneys General from several other states to investigate the underlying cause for sudden and dramatic increases in gasoline prices throughout Pennsylvania, and across the country.

Corbett said Attorneys General from Florida, Alabama and several other states have joined in the review.  The multi-state probe will focus on the factors that generated the rapid escalation in gasoline prices in days following Hurricane Katrina.

"Hurricane Katrina was an event totally outside human control," Corbett said. "We want to determine if storm-related factors were the only things responsible for this sudden and dramatic jump of prices at the gas pump."

Corbett also encouraged Pennsylvania consumers to report instances of possible price gouging to the Attorney General's Bureau of Consumer Protection. 

"My office has received a wave of calls and complaints this week from consumers who feel that some gasoline sellers may be taking advantage of this situation," Corbett said. 

"We will review each and every complaint that is filed with the Bureau of Consumer Protection, and, if we find cases of price gouging, we will not hesitate to prosecute those responsible."

Corbett said consumers can call the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Hotline, at 1-800-441-2555 to report possible price gouging, or they can file a complaint online. 

Links to a special gasoline price complaint form are included with the Hurricane Katrina information located on the home page of the Attorney General's website.

In addition, Corbett also cautioned Pennsylvania residents to be alert for possible disaster-related scams or fraud. 

"Many hard-working and legitimate relief agencies are doing their best to direct aid to the victims of Hurricane Katrina," Corbett said, "and it is important that we support those efforts.  Unfortunately, scam artists are more than willing to take advantage of situations such as this with authentic-looking emails or other solicitations."

Corbett encouraged Pennsylvania residents who wish to support disaster relief efforts to directly contact the relief agency they wish to support, to be certain that their contribution will be used to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina.

Information about charitable giving and relief efforts is included with the Hurricane Katrina information on the Attorney General's website.

###

 RADIO EDITORS NOTE:  The following audio clips from the press conference are available for broadcast:

1.  ... last few days."
2.  ... who are responsible."
3.  ... believe 23 states."
4.  ... to basically criminals."
5.  ... Hurricane Katrina relief."
(Left click to play / Right click to save...)

  Watch the Press Conference