Gas station responses due in price gouging investigation

Raleigh, N.C. — Friday is the deadline for some gas stations to respond after receiving subpoenas in the state’s price gouging investigation.

Jennifer Canada, with the Attorney General's office, said officials are analyzing the responses to determine if consumers were price gouged.

Attorney General Roy Cooper has issued 26 subpoenas to owners of gas stations that reportedly sold gas from $4.49 to $5.35 a gallon as Hurricane Ike took aim at the Texas Gulf Coast. Fears that the storm would cripple U.S. oil-refining capacity prompted runs on area gas stations, and many drivers were outraged that prices skyrocketed overnight.

Once they have been subpoenaed, retailers have 10 days to provide documentation to the Attorney General’s Office, including information on their costs.

The first seven subpoenas, issued 10 days ago, were to the owners of 14 stations that reportedly sold gas for more than $5.49 a gallons. The stations are located in Anson, Ashe, Cherokee, Guilford, Montgomery, Stanly and Transylvania counties.

Jennifer Canada, with the Attorney General's office, said officials are analyzing the responses to determine if consumers were price gouged.