HOUSTON — The Texas Attorney General’s Office said it's investigating at least 113 complaints of price gouging filed by consumers during Hurricane Beryl -- most of which were aimed at businesses in the Houston area.
KHOU 11 News received emails from viewers in the days leading up to and after the storm about sudden price hikes at hotels, gas stations and stores.
We wanted to know how many issues like this are being reported to the agency that investigates price gouging during disasters -- the Texas Attorney General’s Office.
KHOU 11 Investigates asked for the reports they received from July 5 to July 15. More than half of the complaints were about gas prices.
According to records, 63 people complained to the Texas Attorney General’s Office that businesses were charging too much for gas, some more than $4 a gallon when the average was closer to $3. Three people complained about the same gas station.
One said, "They are charging for gas $4.86."
Another said a gas station, "Charged $4.89 a gallon."
Another reported, in part, "$4.29 per gallon. I noticed gas prices are $2.95 to $3.09 everywhere else."
Thirty-three consumers complained about skyrocketing hotel prices, with two downtown hotels reported multiple times.
One woman reported, "I am shocked that they are charging nearly four times what it usually costs. Rooms are going for $1,014 a night whereas the same room a month from today would be only $326."
Another said, "I attempted to book a room ... and the price was $3,925 per night."
Seven people complained of higher prices at grocery and convenience stores.
"$17 for a case of water," one consumer said.
Here’s a look at the complete breakdown of complaints before and after Hurricane Beryl.
Complaints filed
- Gas stations: 63
- Travel-Hotels, Motels and Resorts: 33
- Grocery & convenience stores: 7
- Retail stores: 2
- Restaurant & bars: 2
- Lawn & Garden Services: 2
- Internet sales: 1
- Miscellaneous business: 1
- Health Care -- Pharmacy: 1
- Manufactured home finance company: 1
- Total: 113
A business can generally set prices, but they can't charge exorbitant or excessive rates for necessities like fuel, food, medicine, lodging or construction materials during a declared disaster.
You can report price gouging at any time through the Texas Attorney General's website.