At the time of Hurricane Ike's arrival on Sept. 12, 2008, the department followed up on complaints of alleged gouging and invited the public to submit detailed evidence with their complaints. Cox then announced on Sept. 17, 2008, that his office would directly contact 16 gas stations for detailed [image-nocss] pricing information resulting from allegations of price gouging. As a result of this review, the department demanded that 11 of the stations, whose reported prices ranged from $4.99 to $5.39, enter into compliance agreements as a result of their questionable pricing practices. The agreements will help these stations avoid violations of the law.
The compliance agreements, filed in Ingham County Circuit Court this week, require specific commitments from stations to help prevent future allegations of price gouging, including promptly providing documentation at the request of the Attorney General's office to verify unusual price spikes; ceasing any practice of raising prices in response to consumer apprehension unless such increases can be justified by billing records; and, in some cases, pay fines equivalent to identifiable profits gained by stations due to the alleged gouging on Sept. 12, 2008, the day of Ike's landfall.
Cox's office continues to monitor gas prices statewide on a daily basis, it said. Since Hurricane Ike, Cox has also enlisted the assistance of the State Police to help with price monitoring.The stations include: Sunoco, Lansing (reported price, $4.99; fine: $1,320). Sunoco, Lansing (reported price = $4.99; fine: $893). Marathon, Lansing (reported price = $5.08; fine: $500). Clark Station, Adrian (reported price = $4.99). CITGO, Lansing (reported price = $4.99). Marathon, St. Johns (reported price = $4.99). Clare Shop & Go, Clare (reported price = $4.99; fine: owner voluntarily provided). Sunoco/Holt Convenience, Holt (reported price = $4.99). Adrian Marathon, Adrian (reported price = $4.99). BP, Lansing (reported price = $4.99; fine: $456). CITGO, Lansing (reported price = $5.39).
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