February 16, 2021
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 natural disasters.
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. TFFA wants store owners to know that they could face very steep penalties if they are found to have charged ‘exorbitant’ prices for any goods. In recent disasters there have been numerous complaints made about high prices for essential goods such as bread, eggs, and milk.
In general, our industry conducted its business admirably in the latest disasters 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.
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