Press Release---State Senator Eric Adams and Assemblyman David Weprin Warn Against Gasoline Price Gouging Post-Hurricane

November 18, 2012

Queens Assemblyman David Weprin and Brooklyn State Senator Eric Adams Warn Against Gasoline Price Gouging Post-Hurricane, Urging Consumer Protections

While thousands of New Yorkers are just beginning to rebuild their lives after Hurricane Sandy hit the city on Oct. 29-30, causing a tremendous gas shortage in all five boroughs, State Assemblyman David I. Weprin (District 24, Queens) and State Senator Eric Adams (District 20, Brooklyn) are warning businesses throughout the region against taking advantage of motorists by jacking up the price of gasoline.

“We will not allow victims of this terrible storm to be taken advantage of at the gas pump,” said Assemblyman David I. Weprin. “We will do whatever we can to stop unscrupulous individuals from raising their gas prices and knowingly over-charging consumers for gasoline, as the region rebuilds after this terrible storm. We again demand protection for consumers against price gouging at the pump.”

"I am proud to stand with my colleague, Assemblyman David Weprin, to implore residents to file a complaint with the New York State Consumer Protection Board if they suspect that gas is unfairly priced after Hurricane Sandy,” said State Senator Eric Adams. “The people of New York have experienced tremendous hardships with the lack of gasoline, damaged property, and even the loss of loved ones.  New Yorkers have the right to say 'no' and not be taken advantage of by the greed of retailers.”

Earlier this year, the two lawmakers introduced bills, A6173/S3631, mandating all gas stations in the State of New York post a sign near each gas pump that lists contact information for the New York State Consumer Protection Board, the entity authorized to investigate consumer complaints and take action against violators who willingly hike up their prices. This week, the State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman’s office announced they will be investigating complaints of gas gouging and have accused 13 gas stations in the New York area of gas price gouging. 

The hurricane resulted in massive power outages that shuttered many gas stations that were unable to pump gas without power.  This week, the U.S. Energy Information Administration estimated that 38% of gas stations in the New York area do not have fuel.  In New York City, prices at the pump increased by 15 cents over the past week, according to AAA’s Fuel Gauge Report, although nationwide prices dropped five cents in the same period.