AG Accuses Cortlandt Manor Gas Station of Price Gouging

A Cortlandt Manor Shell is among 13 New York gas stations the state attorney general's office has accused of price gouging in the wake of Superstorm Sandy.

A consumer reported the Shell at 3709 Crompond Road was selling gas at $5.00 per-gallon during the days after the storm, according to a statement from Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman. Two Mobil gas station – one on Westchester Avenue and another one on the Hutchinson River Parkway in White Plains – are also accused of gouging prices.

Schneiderman's office expects to hand out more notices as the "wide-ranging" investigation continues, according to the statement.

"Our office has zero tolerance for price gouging and we are taking action to send a message that ripping off New Yorkers is against the law," Schneiderman said in a statement. "Today's action is the first in a series of steps my office will take as we continue to actively investigate the hundreds of complaints we've received from consumers of businesses preying on victims of Hurricane Sandy."

New York State's price-gouging statute prohibits merchants from selling goods or services for an "unconscionably excessive price" during a disaster or disruption of service. The law applies to places like gas stations, grocery stores, bodegas, delis and taxi drivers.

Patch received dozens of complaints from readers The 13 stations cited Thursday stood out because of their high prices and the size of their price increases, according to the statement.

"I am really annoyed that any gas station would take advantage of citizens at a time when a major storm has upended their lives," said Douglas McGowan, a retired police officer and real estate professional who lives in Yorktown. "These people are not good neighbors."

Operators at each location have been notified that the attorney general will begin enforcement proceedings.

The 11 other gas stations are from Nassau and Suffolk Counties, Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx. Two of the gas stations are accused of selling gas for more than $5.50 per-gallon.