Array
President Joe Biden warned oil and gas companies Wednesday not to use Hurricane Ian as an excuse to hike prices at the gas pump as the Category 4 storm storm barrels into Florida.
«Do not – let me repeat – do not use this as an excuse to raise gasoline prices or gauge the American people,» Biden said in a speech at the White House.
In Florida, state law prohibits selling essential commodities including gasoline at an «unconscionable price» during an emergency declaration. A price is considered «unconscionable» when there is a gross disparity between the price during an emergency compared to the 30 days beforehand.
In all, 37 states have regulations against price targeting during emergencies, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures, a nonpartisan association that monitors, tracks, and researches legislation that impacts state politics.
