FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, August 31, 2005
Contact: Jessica Robinson, (573) 751-0290
Governor Directs Attorney General to Investigate Potential Price Gouging
JEFFERSON CITY—Gov. Matt Blunt today directed Attorney General Jay Nixon to investigate gasoline suppliers and stations for potential evidence of price gouging in response to Hurricane Katrina.
"To protect consumers from illegal price fixing, I have directed Attorney General Jay Nixon to investigate yesterday’s dramatic gas price hikes," Blunt said. "We have seen price gouging in our state before, and I will not permit businesses to reap unjustified profits by using a natural disaster as an excuse to gouge customers."
Almost 50 stations illegally increased prices following the terrorist attacks of September 11. They were ultimately investigated and fined for price gouging. Blunt’s directive is an effort to protect Missouri consumers from businesses who abuse devastating events, like the hurricane, to collect illegal profits.
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