See price gouging at gas stations? Here's how to report it

by Ida Domingo

Wed, May 12th 2021, 3:05 PM UTC

Many gas stations in the area are either shut down or have long lines filled with people waiting to get gas. (WSET)

RICHMOND, Va. (WSET) — As the impact of the cyberattack on the gas Colonial Pipeline widens, officials are warning of price gouging.

According to Attorney General Herring's Office, in response to the Colonial Pipeline attack, Governor Ralph Northam’s declaration of a state of emergency has triggered Virginia’s anti-price gouging statutes.

The statues are designed to protect consumers from paying exorbitant prices for necessities during an emergency.

“This ransomewear attack on the Colonial Pipeline could create disruptions in the gasoline supply across the Commonwealth, and unfortunately, bad actors could take advantage of this just to line their own pockets,” said Herring. “Virginians should not have to worry about paying exorbitant prices for gas and other necessary goods during this time. I want to encourage any Virginian who believes they may have a price gouging complaint related to this incident to reach out to either my Consumer Protection Section or the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.”

Enacted in 2004, Virginia's Anti-Price Gouging Act prohibits a supplier from charging "unconscionable prices" for "necessary goods and services" during the thirty-day period following a declared state of emergency. Items and services covered by these protections include but are not limited to water, ice, food, generators, batteries, home repair materials and services, and tree removal services.

If a Virginia consumer suspects they are a victim of price gouging, they can call the Consumer Protection Hotline or download a complaint form from the Attorney General's website and submit it in-person, by mail, or by fax.

Consumers are encouraged to keep any relevant documentation and submit copies with their complaints. If consumers believe they are a victim of price gouging specific to motor fuel they can also reach out to the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

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