Metro Detroit Gas Station Warned To Stop Price Gouging: Prosecutors

ROMULUS, MI — A BP gas station near the Detroit Metropolitan Airport in Romulus was warned to stop price gouging, according to the Michigan Attorney General's Office.

Prosecutors sent the gas station a cease and desist after the office received numerous customer complaints that the BP gas station was overcharging drivers, according to the Michigan Attorney General's Office.

Prosecutors said prices at the gas station, located at 9201 Middlebelt Rd., were a $1.50 or more per gallon, compared to most nearby competitors. In the past week, prosecutors said a special agent visited the area twice and found the gas station was selling gas for $4.74 per gallon.

Prosecutors said the gas station is violating the Michigan Consumer Protection Act and is taking advantage of its location near the airport and rental car companies.

"With many people traveling both from and to our State in the coming days to spend the holidays with friends and family, we emphasize now that you should put the brakes on this pattern of what appears to be grossly excessive pricing," the AG's office said in the letter.

The gas station has until Jan. 8, 2024, to respond to the notice. Possible action includes a civil lawsuit or a formal investigation, according to the Michigan Attorney General's Office.

"It is my hope this gas station will take this notice seriously and no further action will be necessary," Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said. "My office stands ready to investigate reports of businesses that attempt to take advantage of residents, especially during the holiday season."

Customers can complain about price gouging with the online complaint form or to the Consumer Protection Team:

P.O. Box 30213
Lansing, MI 48909
517-335-7599
Fax: 517-241-3771
Toll free: 877-765-8388