NASSAU COUNTY CIVIC ASSOCIATION, INC.
"The government is us, we are the government, you and I." Teddy Roosevelt
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NASSAU COUNTY CIVIC ASSOCIATION, INC. "The government is us, we are the government, you and I." Teddy Roosevelt |
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September 23, 2005
Beware of prices at the pump
How to fight back!
In times of turmoil or trauma to our Nation's infrastructure; whether it is real or perceived, the ripple effect of events can cause uncertainty, fear and economic instability. It is times such as these that we Americans are most vulnerable to be scammed by a host of unsavory opportunists who feel that it is the American way to capitalize on people's misfortunes and fears.
Presently we have seen gasoline prices skyrocketing due to a fear that there will be a shortage due to the effects of hurricane Katrina. Mind you, there is no shortage in crude oil, there is only a fear that oil will have a problem getting to and from the refinery. As a matter of fact, the price of crude oil has been on a downward spiral in the last few days; it has dropped $1.50 a barrel today to about $66.00 per barrel. With this in mind have any of you seen a drop in prices at the pump? I'm sure you haven't. The fuel retailers aren't as responsive to drop prices as they are to increase them.
We all must be very mindful on how much we are spending on those necessity items we rely on to keep us alive and thriving in our work places and at home. If you noticed that you've paid exorbitant gas prices compared to other stations you've seen and feel that you have been a victim of price gouging, you should contact the New York State Attorney General’s office at 1-800-771-7755 (press option 2 and then option 1) to file a complaint. When concerned consumers alert officials, and action is taken, this sends a clear message that citizens are aware and will not stand for price gouging. The penalties for price gouging in New York state are as high as $10,000, which should keep a merchant honest.