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Hundreds Log Gas Gouging Complaints

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Posted: 2:44 AM Sep 15, 2008
Last Updated: 2:44 AM Sep 15, 2008
Reporter: Dave Jordan

54 comments

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Hundreds of North Carolina consumers are reporting gas stations have unfairly increased prices as Hurricane Ike barrels toward the Gulf Coast.

Attorney General Roy Cooper said Friday that his office has
received more than 425 price gouging complaints.

Cooper said some of the most jarring allegations have come from
the western part of the state. Consumers there have reported
stations selling gas for as much as $5.99 a gallon.

The Attorney General can sue merchants if state officials find
that gas stations have excessively inflated prices.

Cooper said he will investigate consumers' complaints. If you have a complaint you can call the Consumer Hotline 1-877-5-NOSCAM. (1-877-566-7226).

Earlier Friday, Gov. Mike Easley declared a state of "abnormal
market disruption" and triggered the state's anti-gouging law.

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Hundreds Log Gas Gouging Complaints

Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: linda Location: poncha springs colorado on Sep 20, 2008 at 07:20 PM
The pumps don't print recieps so people can go in the station to spend more money. stoer was dirty and emploee had too many peircings. the store was also not well lit.

Posted by: bob Location: nj on Sep 17, 2008 at 07:55 PM
If the goverment was concern about the gas prices as they are about taxing cigarrettes and other items, Gas wouln't be so high. Everybody got stock in oil why lower the price, the goverment doesn't care.

Posted by: Wondering Location: Aurora on Sep 17, 2008 at 07:21 AM
While others raised prices then dropped them back down to about $4.09,why are the prices in Aurora still $4.69 ? Do they think they are so rural no one is going to complain or even notice.

Posted by: sick of it! Location: Bath on Sep 16, 2008 at 03:13 PM
Wake up AMERICA, you get what you get because you vote for who you vote for, ALL politicians are in it for the $$$$, big paychecks, and big retirement so what do they care?? Why prosecute price gougers? It's not the people RUNNING the gas stations, it's the OWNERS, BIG MONEY!, what do they care about a fine? pocket change to them ! If they do fine them, what are we consumers to do, line up with our gas receipts in hand? Think they'll gives us back our money? Hardly ! The price of fuel went up .30 the other day while we were sitting IN LINE. There was NO tanker unloading new fuel or when asked, there had not been a tanker there that day. They were ALL !! price gouging!

Posted by: Tammy Location: Aurora on Sep 15, 2008 at 09:33 PM
I heard today that one gas store owner said he know that he not to raise gas prices but will anyway, because the fine he gets for it won't be as much as the profit he makes!! Maybe they should raise the fine to what they profit!

Posted by: adp Location: greenville on Sep 15, 2008 at 09:33 PM
i have an idea. bleme the illigal aliens for this to.jajajaja. they been the solution for all yours problems lately. whake up america. to many rats in the goverments and a few,are destroying the economy.

Posted by: Randy Location: Washington NC on Sep 15, 2008 at 08:40 PM
The gas at stores in Aurora & Edward went up to 4.59 as Hurricane Ike was approaching Texas. The store's name in Edward is the Very Kwik #5.

Posted by: bogie Location: everywhere on Sep 15, 2008 at 07:54 PM
the mom and pops also pay more for their gas than HESS sell theirs for ,so do not jump on them ,they build this country, now the big boys are putting them out of bussiness!!!!!!

Posted by: susan Location: plymouth n.c. on Sep 15, 2008 at 12:28 PM
tell me, what is the low income, retired people [low income] going to do? Buy their medicine each week or buy this high price gas? They have a choice, get their medicine which they need, or pay for this gouging gas rise? It's bull for the gas to be so high.

Posted by: Obama Snake Oil Co Location: Washington on Sep 15, 2008 at 10:20 AM
Folks, if you have a camera phone or digital phone, snap a picture of the price and station. Send to the attorney generals office and watch the offenders get charged. Don't just spout your anger, do something about it. The more pictures, the better the case. If you have a receipt even better. Let's go....Flight 94

Posted by: k Location: eastern nc on Sep 15, 2008 at 09:22 AM
If they were serious about going after those who are price gouging, then they need to physically go to these gas stations unannounced and catch these people. Getting flooded with calls and having people fill out forms will not work. Mr. Cooper, you need to send people everywhere in this state if you and your office are really going to do something about it for the benefit of the people.

Posted by: Eric Location: Beaufort on Sep 15, 2008 at 08:54 AM
Government is not going to do anything about this gas problem. The state of NC makes too much money off this gouging and they want you to think they are concerned but they are not. They want the money and they do not care if gas proces go up. PERIOD!!! Our government needs an enima to flush the crap out.

Posted by: Jennifer Floyd Location: Havelock on Sep 15, 2008 at 08:49 AM
Stay Away from Chevron on 70 in Havelock the priced regular on Friday for 4.69 a gallon. They want to rob you.

Posted by: Jennifer Location: Havelock on Sep 15, 2008 at 08:46 AM
This gas price issue has gotten out of hand. The Government is not going to do a thing about it, they just want you to think they will. We will forever me robbed from.

Posted by: Disqusted Location: Beulaville on Sep 15, 2008 at 08:09 AM
Roy Cooper. You sit up there in your office, and tell people to fill out a complaint form, and you will check into it. Give me a break. I just read your stupid complaint form. Give off your --- and go out and do something about it. Talking about court and fines. Get real. Just adding another cost to the taxpayers. You people sit up there and tell everyone else what to do. You don't have to buy your gas, or worry about getting to work, or how you are going to feed your family. We do it for you. You all make me sick. Mr High and Mighty. I think everyone up there needs to be fired and start from scratch. Put someone up there who knows what it is like to do without. You don't have to worry about where your next meal is coming from or how you are going to get to work the next week. And DSS. You are on the top of the list. What as Legal Citizens of the US are we going to do. What can we do? Filling out a form won't get us nowhere. We all need to strike,stop buying from our local merchants.

Posted by: barbara Location: beulaville NC on Sep 15, 2008 at 07:45 AM
It was my understanding that stations could not up the price of fuel that is already in the ground. Citizens in Beulaville need to start buying their gas elsewhere. I know we should shop in our hometome, but our hometown doesn't consider us. Went to eat Pizza Friday night in Beulaville. One small salad, one large salad and one sub. 20.04. This is ridicilious. Same way with other places. Eat Monday thru Thursday for less than you can eat on weekend. People wake up and smell the coffee. Price gouging? Who is going to do anything about it. All they do is talk. But we as citizens can no longer participate in it. All talk and no action. Show them what it is like. Shop elsewhere. They don't care about us or our pocketbooks.

Posted by: TD Location: Washington on Sep 15, 2008 at 06:45 AM
I think all politicians, and I MEAN ALL, need an enema. I also think we should all buy those mopeds, and flip the bird to all local gas station owners as we ride by at 25 MPH. GO PIRATES!!!!!!! Sorry, had to throw that one in for all the ACC fans.

Posted by: Not Enough Money To Pay Bills With Location: Aulander on Sep 14, 2008 at 11:17 PM
The price of gas in Aulander is over $4.25 a gallon. For families trying to pay their basic bills just to live are not having enough money to pay them with. Just to buy food, pay electric bill, house payment, water bill, phone bill, and etc. leaves us with no money to pay our heating bill for the upcoming winter season. It looks really grim here and I am sure others are feeling the emptiness in their pockets also. When is it going to stop? Do we have to loose everything we have worked hard for all our lives to greedy people that are taking advantage of our nation's crisis. Shame on all of them and may they start feeling the pressure like the lower class people that are on a fixed budget are feeling today.

Posted by: bill Location: obx on Sep 14, 2008 at 06:29 PM
roy cooper this, roy cooper that... him nor his office will do nothing about this price gouging. that will only prove that he is in the back pockets of the oil company,s. get up and do your job mr. cooper, prove me wrong!!

Posted by: Ocracoker Location: Ocracoke on Sep 14, 2008 at 11:39 AM
Don't make the mistake of visiting Ocracoke without a full tank first. We only have one gas station on the whole island so it's usually more expensive than others off island, but this is ridiculous!! The price went up Friday to $5.00 and that's for the lowest grade. The owners aren't some big company, just local people, so the fact that they would do this to their fellow islanders is unforgiveable. Most people I know say they'll wait till they go off the island to buy gas, even when the price goes down.

Posted by: Joe Location: Kinston on Sep 14, 2008 at 10:20 AM
I think it's high time the oil company executives are rounded up and put on trial for treason,if found guilty hanged then all their personal wealth seized and their families put on the street.this is something they could understand.

Posted by: fed up Location: Washington on Sep 14, 2008 at 07:28 AM
Travel Store on the corner of Hwy 17 and 3rd Street has gas posted at 4.59 a gallon. What gives? Don't you have enough money in your pockets without taking advantage of the consumers outt here just trying to earn a decent living?

Posted by: Ken Lohr on Sep 13, 2008 at 11:13 PM
the retailers have to replace there fuel at higher prices and what about the fuel they have left when the pricews come down? If anyone is gouging someone should look at the wholesalers.

Posted by: vehicle Location: owner on Sep 13, 2008 at 09:44 PM
For those who slam SUV owners, educate yourselves. Go to this site and see what mileage full sized pick up trucks get. www.fueleconomy.gov

My 2WD 4.6 Expedition gets better mileage than a 2WD 4.6 F-150 pickup of the same year. Maybe it's all of those evil, conspiring, anti-American pick-up owners you should be snubbing your noses at. I know I will. 8-)

Posted by: Mildred Location: Washigton on Sep 13, 2008 at 08:01 PM
The way I see having a larger SUV is this. When you pay for the Gas my vehicle uses then you can tell me what to drive. Until then worry about yourself.

Posted by: Rosebud Location: Lagrange on Sep 13, 2008 at 04:23 PM
I to have seen them raise prices on gas while it is still in the ground. It's flat out price grouging, my question...why is this so called goverment of ours letting this happen? I wish someone smarter than me would find out who the major stock owners are with the oil companies. That might be the key that unlocks this whole crocked scheme.

Posted by: Mick Location: concord on Sep 13, 2008 at 04:16 PM
there's a BP station selling reg for $4.79,right across the street from an exxon selling for $4.19. People still buying from BP, I guess if you got their credit card you're stuck paying,

Posted by: Obama 08 4 Prez! on Sep 13, 2008 at 01:04 PM
The goverment and gas station owners are brilliant. They work people up and make a mass confusion making everyone think the end of the gas world is coming. And on a Friday when most people get paid. If I could use an analogy to compare this it, would be...pimp and hooker. The Big Oil Companies/Large chain gas stations= pimp, the panic consumers out today buying $5.00 gas= the hookers. They took the oldest profession and made it legal. American citizens need a national Kiss My Gass Day! Nobody in the US pumps on one certain day. But I know truck drivers and certain other professions make their living on the road, so that won't happen. But if it could, what a voice we would have. "Tip...never wait to fill up on a Friday, things always happen on weekends"

Posted by: Wendy Location: Greenville on Sep 13, 2008 at 12:58 PM
Nicole, know where I can buy an SUV that only costs $50-$60 to fill up? My last fill up was over $80...and yes, I need my SUV. Those of us who drive larger vehicles are NOT the cause of high gas prices so stop picking on us. Let's get real...the reason prices are so high is purely GREED!!!

Posted by: Courtney Location: Jacksonville, NC on Sep 13, 2008 at 12:28 PM
Price gouging is really happening here. When I went to work Friday gas was $3.60 @ 7:30am at the BP and at 4:30pm it was $4.19 at the same BP. That is a $0.59 increase in 9 hours. Also how can one station be $3.69 and not even a 1000 feet away the next station is $4.19. What is up with that. I also tried to get gas last night which my light had just came on and the station told me they were out but yet this morning when I went out people were pumping gas at the same station. Somebody needs to step in and do something about this. We really need to look close at who reacts to this situation at our next election.

Posted by: Mary Location: Chocowinity NC on Sep 13, 2008 at 11:36 AM
The price of a gallon of gas at Cypress Station at Blounts Creek Rd. and Rte. 33 went up $1.10 in a preiod of 2 hours.This is the definition of gauging the public. It is time for our representatives to come down from their ivory towers and DO SOMETHING!

Posted by: Debbie Location: MCAS Cherry Point on Sep 13, 2008 at 10:55 AM
PRice gouging is illegal, but no one does anything about it. Consider a 70 cent a gallon increase just outside of one of our military bases! Not Fair. I call a foul on Chevron and Shell Stations!

Posted by: kim Location: columbia on Sep 13, 2008 at 09:48 AM
I really don't understand the huge jump in gas prices here. Our gas comes from the NJ refineries NOT the TX refineries! The stations and the oil companies need to be investigated by the Att. Generals Office, in fact state offices need to band together and fight them through the federal courts. This gas is crossing state lines which falls into federal courts jurisdictions not just state. Banning together is the only way any one of us will succeed.

Posted by: Collins Location: Washinton on Sep 13, 2008 at 07:47 AM
I don't think it is right.Isn't this pice gouging?I thought that was illegal.It's not right.

Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 13, 2008 at 06:37 AM
Get ready for sticker shock at the gas pumps this morning, what was 3.69 Thur, 3.99 Friday, it is now 4.59 at Makin Tracks, 5th St. this morning in Washington NC

Posted by: MysteryUKnown Location: Havelock on Sep 13, 2008 at 12:21 AM
Well I agree about the gas prices. Hess gas station and 2 other gas stations were selling their gas this evening for the same price of 3.69 pg where as the rest of them have jacked their prices up to 4.79=4.89 a gallon.. How is it possible that they can charge that price for the gas when it was already bought at the price 3.69 a gallon.. talk about being ripped off

Posted by: Barbara Location: Washington on Sep 12, 2008 at 11:16 PM
I have relatives living in Texas, where Ike is going, and they are still at $3.69 a gallon. Why is it that we, almost 1600 miles away, paying so much more than the rest of country. This is the worst form of tyranny in my opinion. Oil companies are making billions of dollars in profit at our expense and we are letting them. It is high time that something is done about and soon.

Posted by: Ann Location: Vanceboro on Sep 12, 2008 at 10:44 PM
Trade Wilco-Hess is not the only one being fair. Kangaroo in Vanceboro has kept their prices down. Also the little mom and pop stores are not raising prices here, but of course, the mom and pop stores were already high. Someone asked, who would pay $5.99 a gallon for gas? Well, anyone that has to support a family by going to work. Call, write, and email everyone in Congress that you can think of and maybe if enough continue to push the issue, the Attorney General's office will do something. The Handy Mart and the BP stores in Vanceboro did not receive new tanks of fuel before raising their prices. I realize the oil companies are passing their cost on to the stores, but if a new tanker of fuel has not been received yet, how can they raise prices on fuel that is already paid for?

Posted by: James Location: Greenville on Sep 12, 2008 at 10:36 PM
Cactus: I was thinking the exact same thing. The fuel they have in the tank they purchased at a much lower price. We are being gouged! When a new shipment comes in and it goes up .15 or .20 cents I think we can agree to that. But we are all being taken advantage of pure and simple. oh and Greg In ref. to that Company you speak so highly of...get real! They have been gouging G'ville for years and years!

Posted by: Kimberley Location: Grimesland on Sep 12, 2008 at 10:32 PM
I find it hard to understand how here in NC gas has jumped anywhere from .40 - $1.00 and in VA gas prices have stayed the same. We need new elected officials who will care more about the people and the economy. They say they investigate price gauging but they won't do anything. It is amazing that the gas companies can do whatever they want to and nothing is done. With these gas prices people will have a hard time buying gas just to go to work.

Posted by: Lisa Location: Washington, NC on Sep 12, 2008 at 10:14 PM
Who in the world would be dumb enough to pay 5.99 a gallon?

Posted by: Kenny Location: washington nc on Sep 12, 2008 at 10:03 PM
This afternnon in washington gas prices jumped 1.00 higher than yesterday, with no new deliveries.WHY?

Posted by: mike Location: Beaufort County on Sep 12, 2008 at 10:03 PM
This is ridiculous. I fill up @ 9:30 am price was $3.59 and by 10:00am it was $3.99. This is wrong and the attorney general know that this is wrong. But nothing will be done about it. The working class will have to pay the price so other can make killing off of us. Price did not jump up like this with the other hurricane. What will it be food for the kids or gas to get to work????

Posted by: nsmith Location: pitt county on Sep 12, 2008 at 09:41 PM
Hope somebody reported "Cash and Karry" off HWY 11! Thats crazy!

Posted by: Plymouth Native Location: Plymouth on Sep 12, 2008 at 09:26 PM
Went to work this AM gas $3.55 per gallon. On the way home $3.99 per gallon. Gas price craziness because we are all stupid enough to listen to the media. EDITOR'S NOTE: Prices started going up long before the media started reporting it.

Posted by: Edna Perry Location: Ayden on Sep 12, 2008 at 09:17 PM
Kash and Karry off Hwy 11 is selling regular unleaded for 4.99 a gallon. Premium is over 5.00 a gallon is this a rip off or what?

Posted by: Ashley Location: Washington on Sep 12, 2008 at 09:08 PM
IKE or any other storm has nothing to do with gas going up. We dont just get our oil from that rig in the gulf we have plent of oil in reserve. they know we have to have gas to get through our days so they know they can raise the prices. they know we are going to buy either way so they raise it and they got us where they want us.

Posted by: WOLFGANG Location: CHOCOWINITY on Sep 12, 2008 at 09:01 PM
" Thanks Democtrats for the 10 gallons of gas today. " If we had started Drilling Offshore along the Continental United States 10 years ago or more. We would not be limited to only 10 gallons of gas today. There would be an abundance of American Oil and American Natural gas today. The Democratic Clinton Administration should have predicted this would happen 10 year ago or more. They say it takes 10 years from Drilling to the Gas Pumps. Since the Republicans entered office every time they tried to get offshore drilling started the Democratic Congree VETOED IT. Thank again Democrats for the 10 Gallons of gas today ! ! ! DRILL HERE DRILL NOW. DRILL BABY DRILL.

Posted by: hummer man on Sep 12, 2008 at 08:48 PM
Well Nicole, why don't you move to Iraq or somewhere like that and ride a camel around. Do your part if you mean what you say.

Posted by: Ed on Sep 12, 2008 at 08:48 PM
To Nicole: I'm sorry we are not all families that can fit into a tiny car. Not everyone drives a large vehicle by choice. For some it is a necessity.

Posted by: Greg Location: Winterville on Sep 12, 2008 at 08:37 PM
The majority of companies in New Bern raised their prices before getting their tanks topped off. If wholesale prices only increased 20 cents, why is Hess/Trade Mart one of the only companies being fair about their pricing strategies. The best thing we can do to fight back is to drive to Hess and support them and boycott the other companies. It's not the big oil companies. I truly think the local oil companies are trying to gouge us and blame it on Ike. How do these people sleep at night? Thanks Trade for not taking advantage of your valued customers.

Posted by: john Location: robersonville on Sep 12, 2008 at 08:28 PM
This is ridiculous!!!!!! There is no reason gas priced $3.59 @ 4 a.m. should be $3.99 by 10 a.m. Hurricane Ike has nothing to do with this!!! This is price gouging pure & simple!!!!! This is clearly against the law!!!!! The attorney general needs to definitely get involved with this!!! Especially if he wants to get re-elected!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: Nicole Location: Greenville on Sep 12, 2008 at 08:20 PM
How dare the government do this, allow gas companies to get away with this. Well, for the consumers it is your falt too. Here is a simple solution, don't buy gas. No it is not impossible, how about you carpool, or how about stop selling SUV's that take $50-$60 to fill up and lasts less then a week, yes it is your falt too. Thanks America, for making us a money hungery society, solely relying on oil!

Posted by: Cactus Location: Strabane, NC on Sep 12, 2008 at 08:16 PM
While in Kinston to day EXXON nad BP were at $3.99 while the others on Vernon Ave. were at like $3.69. I may be wrong but I was under the impression that gasoline in the storage tank could not be increased until depleted. a price increase could be included on the next delivery. Anybody know.

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