Henrico gas station agrees to pay fine for alleged price-gouging
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A Henrico gas station that allegedly raised the cost of gas by nearly 29% overnight in May has agreed to pay a $2,500 fine and return more than $300 in excess profits it made from sales at the higher price.
The RIR Mart Exxon station at 510 East Laburnum Avenue, across from Richmond Raceway, allegedly raised the cost of a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline from $3.49 May 9 and 10 to $4.499 May 11, after a state of emergency was declared that day in response to the temporary shutdown of the Colonial Pipeline, which supplies motor fuels to much of the East Coast.
Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring’s office learned of the alleged price-gouging and took enforcement action against the station’s parent company, Henrico-based Saly Inc., citing violations of the Virginia Post-Disaster Anti-Price Gouging Act.
As part of a settlement agreed to by both the company and attorney general’s office, RIR Mart Exxon agreed to pay $2,500 in civil penalties and attorneys’ fees and to return more than $300 it made from sales at the higher price. It also agreed not to engage in further violations of Virginia’s price-gouging law and the Virginia Consumer Protection Act.
The settlement, in the form of an assurance of voluntary compliance, has been filed for approval with the Henrico County Circuit Court.
Consumers who purchased premium unleaded gasoline from RIR Mart Exxon May 11 should file a complaint with the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Section to be considered for reimbursement of excess charges they paid. Complains may be made by completing a form online, through email at consumer@oag.state.va.us, or by reporting a complaint by phone at (804) 786-2042.
It was the second enforcement action the office has taken in relation to the Colonial Pipeline shutdown and the fourth such action the office has taken overall this year.
“Unfortunately, bad actors will take advantage of natural disasters or other times of crisis and increase prices on necessary goods just to line their own pockets,” said Herring. “Virginians should never have to worry about whether they are paying a fair price for something they need, but especially during a state of emergency. My Consumer Protection Section and I will continue to pursue instances of price gouging in Virginia and hold those who take advantage of consumers accountable.”
