FROM: HOLLEY
CARNRIGHT
DATE: FEBRUARY 3,
2015
RE: PRESS RELEASE –
PRICE GOUGING IN NEW YORK STATE
New York State’s
Price Gouging Law prohibits merchants from taking unfair advantage of consumers
by selling goods or services for an “unconscionably excessive price” during an
”abnormal disruption of the market”, according to the Ulster County District
Attorney’s Division of Consumer Affairs. The price gouging law covers New York
State vendors, retailers and suppliers, including but not limited to
supermarkets, gas stations, hardware stores, bodegas, delis, and taxi and
livery cab drivers.
New York’s price
gouging law takes effect only upon
occurrence of triggering events that cause an “abnormal disruption of the
market”. This is defined as “any change in the market, whether actual or
imminently threatened,” that results from triggering events such as “weather
events, power failures, strikes, civil disorder, war, military action, national
or local emergency, or other causes.” A good example was Hurricane Sandy.
During that disruption of the market all parties within the chain of
distribution for any essential consumer goods or services would be prohibited
from charging unconscionably excessive prices.
“Consumer goods” are
defined by the statute as “those used, bought or rendered primarily for
personal, family or household purposes.” That includes gasoline, which is vital
to the health, safety and welfare of consumers and is considered a “consumer
good” under the terms of the statute.
For further
information, visit www.ag.ny.gov/price-gouging.
Consumer Affairs can be reached at 340-3260.
