Farmingdale Gas Station Accused of Price Gouging

A gas station on Route 109 in Farmingdale is one of four on Long Island accused of price gouging during Hurricane Sandy.

New York State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman identified a the BP Station at 1009 Fulton St. (State Rte. 109) as one of four offenders, saying the owner charged $4.71 per gallon during the storm's aftermath.

Schneiderman said his office will begin enforcement proceedings against the four gas stations for violations of the New York State Price Gouging statute. Before the storm, the price of gasoline regionally was about $4 per gallon.

"Our office will continue to take enforcement actions against price gougers because ripping off New Yorkers is against the law," Schneiderman said.

Two other Nassau County stations were cited: the Ultra Gas on Hempstead Turnpike in Levittown for selling gas at $4.89 per gallon, and Liberty Petroleum on Hempstead Turnpike in Elmont, selling gas for $6.99 per gallon, the attorney general's office said. The fourth was in Port Jefferson Station.

Those four were among 12 gas stations cited for price gouging in the metropolitan area. The AG's office says it is investigating hundreds of complaints it has received from consumers.

The state law specifically prohibits merchants from selling goods or services for an "unconscionably excessive price" during an "abnormal disruption of the market." The statute covers vendors, retailers and suppliers, including  supermarkets, gas stations, hardware stores, and taxi drivers and others.

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"There must be no tolerance for unscrupulous individuals who take advantage of New Yorkers trying to rebuild their lives," Schneiderman said.

The investigations are based upon a review of both consumer complaints and independently-gathered pricing information, Schneiderman said. Additional notifications will be forthcoming to violators, he said.

If you believe you are a victim of price gouging or a post-hurricane scam contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Helpline at 800-771-7755 or find a complaint form online at: www.ag.ny.gov.

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