Gas Station in Port Jefferson Station Accused of Price Gouging After Sandy

A gas station in Port Jefferson Station was one of four on Long Island notified by state Attorney General Eric Schneiderman for allegedly price gouging following Superstorm Sandy. It was also the only one listed in Suffolk County.

At the Coastal station at 1575 Route 112 in Port Jefferson Station, a consumer reported being charged $4.69 per gallon of regular gas while neighboring stations were charging between $3.69 and $4.05, according to the attorney general's office.

"One consumer waited in line for over an hour and did not see a sign detailing prices until after the attendant began pumping gas for the customer," the attorney general's office reported in a statement.

Schneiderman said his office will start enforcement proceedings against these gas stations for violations of the New York State Price Gouging statute in the wake of Sandy.

"Our office will continue to take enforcement actions against price gougers because ripping off New Yorkers is against the law," Attorney General Schneiderman said. "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.

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

Someone who aswered the phone at an automotive repair shop attached to the Coastal said they were not affiliated with the gas station and no one could be found for comment.

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.

Additional reporting in this story was done by Jaime Sumersille.

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