HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Following Hurricane Beryl, several Houstonians reported significant price hikes in hotels, gasoline, and food, according to price gouging complaints obtained by. These complaints revealed that hotel rates more than doubled, gas prices increased by a dollar, and a case of water nearly reached $20. Prosecutors are set to review these complaints, and business owners could face substantial settlements.
One complainant, Phillip Knop, was shocked by the inflated gas prices at a Houston-area station.
“It honestly makes me a little sick to my stomach,” Knop said. “Nobody could’ve predicted the true effects of Hurricane Beryl, and Houston is supposed to be a city that comes together in these things.”
According to AAA, the average price for unleaded gas in Houston last week was $3.14, but Knop paid significantly more.
“I was driving by, and I saw the sign was lit, and it said $3.19,” Knop recalled. “I was shocked because just the day prior, they were charging $4.19 a gallon.”
Knop filed a price gouging complaint with the state attorney general’s office, and he wasn’t alone. Cheryl Dickens also filed a complaint after witnessing exorbitant hotel room rates.
“If it’s not monitored and controlled, it’s just going to keep happening, and people are going to just keep suffering,” Dickens explained.
obtained documents from the AG’s office showing 113 price gouging complaints, mostly against gas stations, hotels, and grocery stores. The Harris County Attorney reported receiving 252 complaints. Prosecutors recommend taking photos and keeping receipts if you suspect price gouging. Record the address, date, and names of any employees involved.
Investigators may visit the store after a complaint is made, and even if prices are lowered, businesses may still face legal issues since price gouging is illegal during a declared disaster.
Following Hurricane Harvey, the attorney general’s office took more than 60 gas stations to court, resulting in over $300,000 in settlements.
“These incidents are likely to occur again, unfortunately,” Dickens said. “So, I think it should be addressed so that it doesn’t reoccur again in the future.”
“They should not take advantage of disasters such as Hurricane Beryl at the expense of ordinary citizens,” Knop added.
If you notice price gouging, you can file a complaint with the attorney general’s office or the county attorney.
