AG launches statewide investigation into skyrocketing fuel prices

[Freddie Stubbs]

The attorney general's office sent teams of investigators and sworn law enforcement personnel throughout Florida to investigate complaints of price gouging on the price of gasoline. The attorney general said investigators will be looking to determine whether the rapid rise of gas prices meets the legal definition of gouging, and vowed to prosecute any violations of the law.

As of 1 p.m. Friday, the attorney general's office had received 1,050 complaints about skyrocketing gas prices in the days since Hurricane Katrina ravaged the Gulf Coast.

"When we hear of 75- to 90-cent price spikes within two days, or reports that surcharges are being tacked onto consumers' fuel costs, then it is our duty to investigate," said Charlie Crist, attorney general, in a release. "Floridians understood that damage from Hurricane Katrina would lead to some disruptions in fuel supply and some cost increases, but these spikes lead to legitimate questions that must be answered. Gouging will not be tolerated."

Investigators will be comparing prices on Aug. 23 and now and checking when the current stock of gasoline was purchased. They will also check which distributor sold the dealers the gasoline and compare invoices to match up the pricing.

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