Gov. Nathan Deal today issued an executive order reiterating state law O.C.G.A. § 38-3-51, which prohibits price gouging.
“Due to a leak in a critical fuel pipeline in Alabama, which is currently undergoing repairs, Georgia and other states have experienced interruptions in motor fuel supply,” Deal said. “There have been recent reports that wholesale and retail gas prices have substantially increased in some markets. In order to remedy this, I’ve issued an executive order reiterating the state law prohibiting price gouging.”
The law requires gas stations to charge the same price they did immediately before the state of emergency unless there’s an increase in the cost of the goods or services or an increase in the cost of transporting the goods or services into the area.
READ: Georgians face gas shortages, price hikes after pipeline shutdown
If you suspect price gouging you can report it to the state Consumer Protection office.
In an effort to keep gas flowing into the state, Gov. Deal last week secured a waiver on environmental regulations on gasoline from the EPD and lifted work hour limits for commercial truck drivers hauling motor fuel. Deal says, “I urge the public to maintain regular consumption levels and travel schedules in order to reduce further interruption in fuel supply.”
The Colonial Pipeline was shutdown September 9 after it leaked between 250,000 and 336,000 gallons of gasoline near Helena, Alabama south of Birmingham.
