Indiana AG Investigate Gas Price Gouging

Three Hendricks County Gas Stations are making Refunds following an Excessive Pricing Inquiry by Attorney General Steve Carter

March 19, 2008 -- (INDIANAPOLIS, IN) – Three Hendricks County gas stations are responding to Indiana Attorney General Steve Carter’s inquiries about excessive pricing last Friday. The attorney general’s office received complaints about a Speedway and two Marathon stations near Danville selling regular, unleaded gasoline at more than $4/gallon before dropping prices later in the day.

Article continues below...

“These prices stuck out like a sore thumb and were clearly excessive in the marketplace,” Carter said. “Our inquiry into the matter has resulted in an outcome favorable to customers.”

A Speedway and two Marathon gas stations located on U.S. 36 set prices at $4.09 a gallon for regular unleaded gasoline for a period of time last Friday, sparking complaints to the attorney general’s office. The stations have responded favorably to the state’s inquiry and are providing customers with refunds between the market price at the time and the higher price – a difference of about .70/gallon.

“The system has worked,” Carter added. “The attorney general’s office is regularly monitoring gasoline pricing and the market pricing to ensure a quick investigation and review of excessive pricing reports. The stations involved have cooperated with our inquiry and recognize the need to provide customer refunds.”

Customers should contact the station to inquire about the process to receive a refund or charge back to their credit card. It will be necessary to have a receipt or a record of the credit card purchase to obtain a refund.

Carter’s investigation of excessive pricing following the 9-11 attacks resulted in refunds totaling more than $32,000 in refunds from 58 gas stations statewide. To report excessive prices the attorney general’s hotline is 1-866-241-9753.

Source: Indiana Attorney General