'Enough Is Enough,' Gov. Warns Gas Stations Accused Of Price Gouging
POSTED: Wednesday, September 17, 2008
UPDATED: 10:39 am EDT September 17,
2008
MIAMI -- Florida's Gov. Charlie Crist has strong words for gas station owners after receiving more than 2,000 complaints of price gouging on gasoline across the state.
VIDEO: Officials Receive Complaints Of Price GougingWhen news broke that Hurricane Ike could affect the oil refineries in Texas, some gas stations responded by raising prices.
"Some people are so damn greedy," Crist said. "They want to take financial advantage of that."
In the Tallahassee area, some stations were charging $5 a gallon.
"It's outrageous. Enough is enough. We're not going to take it anymore," Crist said.
Four gas companies are now under investigation for raising their prices, Flying J, Dodge's Gas Stores, Valero and Pilot Travel Centers.
At a Valero gas station in Miami, prices on Tuesday seemed normal for the market. But they are still too high for some customers.
"They're still a little high for me," said Otto Foerster after paying what he said was 40 cents more per gallon than what prices should be.
"For Americans today to fill up their tanks they have to go without food and other things," said Nancy Goldfarb. "It's just not right."
The Florida Attorney General's Office said it has refered more than 1,800 complaints for review by its Economic Crimes Division. Hillsborough County led the list with 172 complaints, followed by Leon County with 135.
Meanwhile, state agriculture officials said they will serve 16 gas companies with subpoenas. Four more would be served by the Attorney General's Office.
Businesses that engage in price gouging could face fines of up to $1,000 per violation.
If you suspect price gouging at a gas station, the state wants to hear from you. Call 800-HELPFLA, 800-435-7352.
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