Price at the Pump: Ahead of Labor Day Weekend, Schuette Warns Gas Stations Against Gouging

LANSING – Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette today cautions Michigan drivers heading into Labor Day Weekend to be savvy consumers and be aware of potential fluctuating gas prices, noting that consumers can save money by shopping for the best prices.  Retailers are also warned against any attempt at taking advantage of Michigan consumers by gas gouging.

“Michigan consumers should not be taken advantage of during any time of year, but especially not during their last unofficial weekend of summer,” said Schuette. “I will not tolerate price gouging at the pump, we are watching and will not hesitate to take the appropriate steps of action if retailers break the law.”

Attorney General Bill Schuette’s Corporate Oversight Division works year-round to monitor the balance of wholesale and retail prices in Michigan. The Attorney General also receives and monitors complaints of this nature through Consumer Complaints filed with the office.

Under Michigan’s Consumer Protection Act, a retailer may not charge a price that is “grossly in excess of the price at which similar property or services are sold.” Anti-trust laws also prohibit gas stations from entering into agreements to arbitrarily fix prices in unison.

If consumers become aware of direct evidence of a conspiracy between companies, or have verifiable evidence of a retailer charging a price “grossly in excess of the price at which similar property of services are sold,” they are encouraged to contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division at 1-877-765-8388 or file a complaint online at www.michigan.gov/ag.

For more information on gas gouging in Michigan, see Attorney General Bill Schuette’s Consumer Alert: Increased Gas Prices? Again?.

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