Perdue Works to Stem Price Gouging
Citing credible evidence of price gouging, Governor Sonny Perdue Wednesday afternoon signed an executive order authorizing state sanctions against gas retailers who gouge consumers.
Perdue said he does not believe there is an energy emergency and that the state will not tolerate citizens being fooled by exorbitant gas prices.
The order allows the Governorīs Office of Consumer Affairs to seek civil sanctions against retailers who canīt justify their prices based on the price they paid for the product.
Perdue gave no specific examples of gouging -- but said heīs heard reports of gas being raised from $3 a gallon to $5 or $6 a gallon just this afternoon.
Perdue warned retailers that the state has the ability to check the prices they are paying and plans to prosecute gougers to the full extent of the law.
"Frankly, when you prey upon the fears, the paranoia of citizens, it is akin to looting in a different sort of way," Perdue said.
"We should not even have to be doing this," he said. "Iīm frankly embarrassed for our state and some of our businesses that we have to do this."
He acknowledged consumers may not always know if they are being gouged as gas prices change. "You just have to report this and our Office of Consumer Affairs will investigate," he said.
Complaints of price gouging can be sent to the state Agriculture Commissioner Tommy Irvin at
[email protected] or visit the departmentīs Web site at www.agr.state.ga.us .
Customers can also complain by calling (404) 651-8600.
