New Yorkers facing a coastal storm this weekend are being urged to report excessive price increases on essential supplies and services, from drinking water and gasoline to hotel rooms and transportation.
Attorney General Letitia James issued the warning in a consumer alert, citing expected heavy wind, rain and possible flooding. Gov. Kathy Hochul has declared a state of emergency in New York City and Nassau, Suffolk and Westchester counties, the alert says.
State law covers essential goods and services
The warning concerns a statewide consumer-protection law, even though the emergency declaration identifies communities downstate. New York's price-gouging law prohibits businesses from selling goods and services vital to health, safety or welfare at unconscionably excessive prices during emergencies or market disruptions.
The law covers vendors, retailers and suppliers in New York state. James' office identifies food, water, gasoline, generators, batteries and flashlights among the essential goods covered by the protection.
Hotel lodging and transportation options also fall within the goods and services listed in the alert. The office is asking consumers who see higher prices on necessities to report them for review rather than assuming every increase is lawful during an emergency.
“New Yorkers should never have to face unfair price hikes to stay safe during a storm,” James said.
She said her office would be watching for unjust increases as high winds, heavy rain and potentially dangerous flooding threaten the Hudson Valley, New York City and Long Island. Her warning also urges residents to stay safe during the storm.
Keep receipts and record the price
Consumers reporting suspected price gouging should identify the specific increased prices, the dates when they observed them and the places where the goods or services were offered, according to the attorney general's office.
The office also asks consumers to provide copies of sales receipts and photographs of advertised prices when available. Those records can document the amount charged or offered and where the transaction occurred.
Price-gouging violations can carry penalties of up to $25,000 per violation. The alert does not announce a finding against a particular business or identify an enforcement case arising from this storm.
New Yorkers can report potential price gouging by filing an online complaint with the attorney general's office or calling 800-771-7755.
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