Nov. 14, 2012 By Christian Murray
The New York State Attorney General has notified a Long Island City gas station of his intent to commence enforcement proceedings against it for violating the New York State Price Gouging statute.
The Mobil Station, at 40-40 Crescent Street LIC, is one of 13 gas stations throughout New York State that is facing enforcement proceedings for alleging charging excessive prices following hurricane Sandy. According to the Attorney General’s office, consumers were complaining the Mobile station was selling gas at $4.89 per gallon.
Attorney General Eric Schneiderman said that the Long Island City Mobile station posted the price per gallon at roadside as $3.89. However, when the consumer got to the pump, the price sign noted a cash price of $4.89 for regular gas and a credit card price of $4.99. He noted that lines for the station were three blocks long.
There were two other gas stations targeted in Queens. The Shell station, at 7018 Northern Blvd, in Jackson Heights, and a Delta station at 1309 14th Avenue in College Point. Consumers complained that they sold gas at $5.50 per gallon and $5.00 respectively.
“Today’s action is the first in a series of steps my office will take as we continue to actively investigate the hundreds of complaints we’ve received from consumers of businesses preying on victims of Hurricane Sandy,” said NYAG Eric Schneiderman in a statement. “We will do everything we can to stop unscrupulous individuals from taking advantage of New Yorkers trying to rebuild their lives.”
New York State’s Price Gouging Law (General Business Law § 396-r) prohibits merchants from taking unfair advantage of consumers by selling goods or services for an excessive price during an abnormal disruption of the market.
