Thursday, September 01, 2005

They've got to be kidding

But they weren't. Some of my students last night told me that lines at local gas stations were long and that prices had topped $5 in some places in Atlanta. I was incredulous, of course, as I am with most things students tell me.


From 11Alive.com

But, it appears to be true. Some gas stations raised prices, and rumors were spreading via email in Atlanta that Katrina would make gas scarce. So, everyone rushed to fill up their SUVs so that they could commute at least two more days between their suburb and central Atlanta.

In response, the Governor issued an executive order to implement price gouging statutes.

According to the announcement:

“We will not tolerate the exploitation of Georgia consumers as we recover from the effects of Hurricane Katrina,” said Governor Sonny Perdue. “Violators of this price gouging statute will be punished to the fullest extent possible.”

Citizens are asked to report any suspected incidences of price gouging to the Georgia Office of Consumer Affairs at (404) 651-8600 or (800) 869-1123. Any violators of Georgia’s price gouging statute will be punished to the fullest extent of the law.

The gas pumps in my neighborhood didn't have this problem--maybe because fewer of my neighbors have access to the internet.

posted by Michelle @ 9:58 AM,

4 Comments:

At 9/05/2005 12:27 AM,  Alfredo said...

Hi Michelle, there is a very good article in the washington post today regarding the attitude of the american people regarding gas.. look into the Washington Post's site for the article: "A Full Tank, An American Birthright"

I hope it would be interesting for you...

Alfredo

 

At 9/07/2005 12:11 AM,  HispanicPundit said...

Now one could only imagine how much worse the situation will be now that the governor has condemned 'price gouging'.

Price controls, which are essentially what price gouging restrictions are, are notorious for producing shortages, not fixing the problem.

 

At 9/07/2005 12:05 PM,  Michelle said...

The governor also suggested suspending the gas taxes for a month, and the legislature was to vote on it yesterday. I doubt whether those tax savings would really be passed on to consumers, though.

 

At 9/07/2005 11:43 PM,  HispanicPundit said...

Your instincts are on target Michelle, atleast economist Alex Tabarrok seems to agree with you.

 

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