Three Texas Businesses Face Price Gouging Lawsuit

Three Texas business have been accused of unlawful price gouging during Hurricane Harvey. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit against them, detailing the accusations from consumers.

The lawsuit claims that Robstown Enterprises, while doing business with Best Western Plus Inn., charged three times its normal rate during Hurricane Harvey.

Two Texaco-branded gas station in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, owned by Bains Brothers, allegedly charges $6.99 for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline on August 31st.

The third business listed in the lawsuit, Encinal Fuel Shop, located outside Laredo, Texas, was reported to have charged $8.99 to $9.99 for a gallon of unleaded gas.

Price gouging in Texas normally includes civil penalties up to $20,000.

The Consumer Protetion Division of the Attorney General’s office is currently handling over 3,321 known complaints about price gouging.

Anyone who believes they’ve been affected or scammed by these events is urged to call the Consumer Protection Hotline at (800) 621-0508.

You may also email consumeremergency@oag.texas.gov or go online at https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/cpd/file-a-consumer-complaint.