More Than 100 Complaints Of Price Gouging Reported in Georgia

ATLANTA, GA — Even though Gov. Nathan Deal signed an executive order on Monday prohibiting price gouging in the wake of the Alabama pipeline break, that hasn't stopped reports of sky high gas prices throughout the city.

On Wednesday, Atlanta's average price was $2.522 for a gallon of regular gas; $2.697 for mid-grade; and $2.931 for premium, according to AAA. Those prices were higher than Georgia's overall averages of $2.522; $2.697; and $2.931, respectively.

According to Georgia Attorney General Sam Olens, businesses may not sell motor fuel products, including gasoline, at prices higher than offered before Deal signed the state of emergency, which was at 9 am on Monday.

"Price increases on these products are permitted only if they accurately reflect an increase in the cost of new stock or the cost to transport it, plus the retailer's average markup percentage applied during the ten days immediately prior to the declaration of a state of emergency," according to a statement from Olens' office.

• See also: Gas Shortage in Georgia: Executive Order Prohibits Gas Price Gouging

However, CBS 46 reports that 140 complaints of price gouging have been filed with the attorney, including one involving a Shell station in Douglasville that reportedly was charging $4.65 a gallon.

The attorney general's office could subpoena receipts from any station that has been reported of price gouging, and the stations could face a fine of up to $5,000 if found guilty.

Here is a link to a form that you can use if you want to report a station that you believe has been gouging the price of gasoline.

A Colonial Pipeline break in Alabama sent gas prices soaring throughout the southeast and caused shortages throughout the region.

“Due to a leak in a critical fuel pipeline in Alabama, which is currently undergoing repairs, Georgia and other states have experienced interruptions in motor fuel supply," Deal said on Monday. “There have been recent reports that wholesale and retail gas prices have substantially increased in some markets.

"In order to remedy this, I've issued an executive order reiterating the state law prohibiting price gouging. In addition to this, I’ve sought and received a waiver from the Environmental Protection Agency as well as lifted operating regulations for commercial truck drivers hauling motor fuel. I urge the public to maintain regular consumption levels and travel schedules in order to reduce further interruption in fuel supply.”

• See also: Find the Cheapest Gas in Atlanta, and 4 Fuel-Saving Tips

The Alpharetta-based company estimates between 252,000 gallons and 336,000 gallons of fuel leaked in the spill, which was discovered Sept. 9. Six states have declared emergencies in order to get more fuel to impacted communities and monitor gas prices for potential price gouging.

Colonial Pipeline is testing a 500-foot bypass of the leak site in rural Alabama, and if the temporary line stands up to scrutiny, the company says it will begin pushing fuel through "Line 1" Wednesday, slowly restoring the major source of gasoline for much of the eastern United States.

Image: Shell station on North Druid Hills Road at Toco Hills in DeKalb County. Mitch Leff, Facebook. Used with permission.