The state has laws to prevent rapid price increases in emergencies
RICHMOND – As the East Coast of the United States prepares for potentially dangerous weather conditions from Tropical Storm Debby, Attorney General Jason Miyares today announced that Governor Glenn Youngkin’s declaration of a state of emergency has put into effect Virginia’s anti-price gouging laws designed to protect consumers from paying excessive prices for essential goods in the event of an emergency.
“As Virginians prepare for the potential impacts of Tropical Storm Debby, I encourage everyone to stay informed of news and weather developments during the statewide emergency declaration. Any violations of Virginia’s anti-price gouging law or exploitation of Virginians’ wallets will be vigorously prosecuted by my office under the Virginia Consumer Protection Act. Offenders will be held accountable,” said Attorney General Miyares.
Virginia’s anti-price gouging law, enacted in 2004, prohibits a provider from charging “unreasonable prices” for “necessary goods and services” during the 30 days following the declaration of a state of emergency. Items and services covered by this protection include water, ice, food, generators, batteries, home improvement materials and services, and tree removal services, among others. The basic test for determining whether a price is unreasonable is whether the post-disaster price significantly exceeds the price charged for the same or similar goods or services during the 10 days immediately preceding the disaster.
Violations of Virginia’s Anti-Price Gouging Act may be prosecuted by the Office of the Attorney General through the Virginia Consumer Protection Act. Complaints should be reported to the Office of the Attorney General’s Division of Consumer Protection for investigation, with the exception of claims related to gasoline and fuel prices, which are handled by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Consumers may contact Attorney General Miyares’ Consumer Protection Division for further information or to file a complaint:
For more information, visit www.oag.state.va.us/
