Price Gougers Beware, Hefty Fines Can Crush Your Business

March 27, 2020

State law prohibits businesses from charging exorbitant prices for necessities during times of disasters. Violators could face penalties of $20,000 per incident.  If victims are age 65 and older, the penalty is more than 10 times higher — up to $250,000.  

The Texas Food & Fuel Association (TFFA) is working with the Texas Attorney General’s office to ensure consumers are protected from businesses looking to take advantage of the Coronavirus pandemic.

In the Hurricane Harvey disaster in 2017, there were hundreds of complaints and cases made against gas stations for price gouging on gasoline and diesel fuel. This time around there have already been numerous complaints made about high prices for essential goods such as bread, eggs, and milk. In particular, the Texas Attorney General’s office is being made aware of retailers that are selling N95 and other protective masks at very high prices. TFFA wants store owners to know that they could face very steep penalties if they are found to have charged ‘exorbitant’ prices for these goods.

In general, our industry conducted its business admirably in the last disaster and was commended for it. TFFA hopes that this will continue as our industry works alongside all Texans to get through and beyond this current disaster.

If you have a complaint, please use this online form.

If you have any questions or need additional resources please use the TFFA Coronavirus page here.