Michigan Attorney General Warns Fuel Retailers Against Price Gouging

Amid rising gas prices, Attorney General Bill Schuette issued a stern warning to retailers that the state will take action if they gouge consumers at the pump.

June 13, 2013

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.

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