September 12, 2008
 

LANSING - Attorney General Mike Cox and Governor Jennifer Granholm urged citizens to remain calm and warned gas stations that law enforcement statewide was on the look out for gas gouging.
 

Attorney General Mike Cox issued the following statement:
 

"Today, I spoke with Governor Granholm, and together we urge citizens across Michigan to remain calm.  My office, the Governor's office, the Michigan State Police, and law enforcement across Michigan are working hand-in-hand to monitor gas prices and track down every allegation of price gouging.  Anyone looking to gouge consumers as a result of the hurricane will be dealt with swiftly and severely."
 

Governor Granholm said; "There is no cause for panic over gas supplies here in Michigan.  My administration is closely monitoring the situation on the Gulf Coast and is prepared to respond to any impact the impending storm may bring."
 

Nearly 25% of the nation's oil refineries could be affected by the storm.  It is estimated that approximately 97.5 % of the oil production in the Gulf has been shut-down. 
 

            Because of the storm, and the shut down of the refineries, prices are expected to increase but Cox reminded gas retailers that his office will act swiftly against any retailers who are found gouging customers.
 

            Cox also ordered agents from his office into the field to track down allegations of price gouging and to monitor gas prices.
 

            Consumers are encouraged to report allegations of price gouging to the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division at 1-877-765-8388 or online at www.michigan.gov/ag.  Consumers are also encouraged to keep all receipts if they believe they were victims of price gouging.

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