BAYTOWN, Texas – A Houston-area gas station has been ordered to pay a $50,000 penalty for price gouging while many Houstonians were vulnerable during the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl.
According to authorities, Super Stop, a gas station in Baytown, increased its prices by more than 40% during the hurricane. The business agreed to pay the fine after being unable to provide justification for the higher prices.
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The gas station also agreed to cease and desist from having major price hikes in future natural disasters.
During Beryl, the Harris County Attorney’s Office employed a task force to investigate price gouging, and they reportedly received more than 250 complaints.
Officials wanted to make an example out of the situation, letting businesses know that exploiting the community during disasters will come with steep consequences.
“Harris County won’t tolerate businesses taking advantage of residents in times of crisis,” Harris County Attorney Christian D. Menefee said in a press release related to the penalty. “We’re holding companies accountable. If you try to exploit a natural disaster to mark up your profits on the backs of Harris County residents, we will find out. And it’s going to cost you.”