Price Increases in the Aftermath of Hurricane Katrina: Authority to Limit "Price Gouging"

Publication Date: September 2005

Publisher: Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

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Research Area: Government

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Abstract:

This report addresses the authority of state and federal governments to control price gouging in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Specifically, questions have arisen regarding increased prices in the areas affected by Hurricane Katrina and the effect that the damage caused by the hurricane will have on prices, specifically gasoline prices, in other parts of the country. State laws regarding price gouging in the event of an emergency are discussed, as well as the role the federal government could play in addressing rising gas prices in other parts of the country. This report will be updated as events warrant.