Rockland, Westchester Gas Stations Cited for Gouging After Sandy

Rockland and Westchester County gas stations accused of jacking up gas prices when fuel was scarce after Hurricane Sandy are being held liable.

“As thousands of New Yorkers sat in line for hours waiting to buy gasoline during the state of emergency created by Hurricane Sandy, some crooked station owners increased their retail prices by excessive and illegal amounts,” said Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman, in a press release. 

“We are continuing to send the message that ripping off the public during a time of crisis is against the law, and that those who engage in illegal price gouging will be held accountable.”

The A&Z Service Center a Citgo Station at 364 New Hempstead Road in New City is accused of charging 58 percent more for gas at $4.39 a gallon right after the storm. A consumer reported the Mobil on Katonah Avenue as selling gas at $4.79 per gallon in the days following the storm, according to the attorney general's office.

The Mobil station at 1237 Mamaroneck Ave. in White Plains was also reprimanded for selling gas at $4.29 immediately after the story, a 33 percent increase.

Click here for the full list of offenders.

New York saw some of the biggest increases in gas prices in the state’s history following the storm, resulting in hundreds of complaints to the Attorney General’s office. Prices were even changing several times a day.

State law prevents merchants from selling goods or services at an “unconscionably excessive price” during natural disasters. This is determined by whether or not there is a “gross disparity” between the prices charged immediately before and after the emergency that is not caused by higher costs imposed upon the seller.

"Our office will continue to take enforcement actions against price gougers because ripping off New Yorkers is against the law," said Schneiderman, in a press release. "We are actively investigating the hundreds of complaints we've received from consumers of businesses preying on victims of Hurricane Sandy. There must be no tolerance for unscrupulous individuals who take advantage of New Yorkers trying to rebuild their lives."

The Attorney General said there will be other notifications coming as the investigation into consumer complaints continues.

Among the accused stations is a Mobil station in the Bronx where a consumer waiting in line for over an hour was just three cars from the pump when she was told that she would be charged $50 for five gallons of gasoline—$10 per gallon—compared to nearby stations charging $3.95 a gallon.

The investigations are based upon a review of both consumer complaints and independently-gathered pricing information, Schneiderman said.

If you believe you are a victim of price gouging or a post-hurricane scam contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Helpline at 800-771-7755 or find a complaint form online at: www.ag.ny.gov