Price Gouging In 2021 Leads To $9,000 In Fines For Loudoun Gas Station: Attorney General

LOUDOUN COUNTY, VA — A Loudoun gas station will have to pay $6,570 in restitution and $2,500 in fees and penalties for price gouging, the Office of the Attorney General said. The price gouging occurred in May 2021, when gasoline supplies dwindled in Virginia while the Colonial Pipeline was shut down.

Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares alleged that West End Motors in Lovettsville price gouged from May 11 to May 14, 2021. At that time, Virginia was under a state of emergency.

"Virginia law protects consumers from businesses increasing prices on necessary goods and services during a time of crisis," Miyares said in a news release. "I am pleased that my office reached an agreement that will make restitution dollars available for affected consumers. The Consumer Protection Section at the Office of the Attorney General will continue to fight for consumer rights and investigate complaints of alleged price gouging during states of emergency in the Commonwealth."

Miyares's complaint claimed that West End Motors charged as much as $3.51 for regular unleaded gasoline, $3.79 for midgrade gasoline, and $3.99 for premium gasoline from May 11 to May 14, 2021. These prices represented increases of more than 20 percent over the previous 10 days. The attorney general also said the increased prices were not caused by any increased costs from the business.

Through a settlement with the Office of the Attorney General, West End Motors agreed to pay more than $6,560 in restitution to customers, along with $1,250 in civil penalties and $1,250 in court fees.

Any customers who purchased gasoline from West End Motors from May 11 through May 14, 2021 can file a complaint with the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Section to be considered for reimbursement.

Residents can reach the consumer protection office by calling (800) 552-9963 or by emailing consumer@oag.state.va.us.

Anyone who believes they are a victim of price gouging during a state of emergency can file a complaint with the attorney general's office. Officials said customers should keep their receipts and any other relevant documentation.

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