LANSING – As gas prices in Michigan approach record-high
levels, Attorney General Bill Schuette warned fuel retailers against any
attempt to take advantage of consumers by price gouging or price fixing.
“Michigan consumers are struggling with rising costs just as
summer vacations are getting underway, making it hard on family budgets,” said
Schuette. “We will not tolerate unscrupulous behavior that violates Michigan
law when it comes to gouging and price fixing. Gas retailers are warned: We
are watching and will not hesitate to take action if you hurt consumers and
break Michigan law.”
The Attorney General’s professional legal team monitors the
balance of wholesale and retail prices and profit margins in regions around
Michigan. Additionally, the office takes in complaints about individual
stations directly into its Consumer Protection Division. The office
investigates any time there is evidence that state law has been violated for
gouging or price fixing.
Under the Michigan 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.” Antitrust laws also prohibit gas stations
from entering into agreements to arbitrarily fix prices in unison.