Mayor 'Will Not Tolerate Price Gouging' Gas Stations

As if area residents dealing with Superstorm Sandy didn't have enough to concern then, there is word of another threat: price gouging at the gas pump.

The phenomenon has already captured the attention of Mayor James Barberio, whose office issued a statement addressing it.

"Mayor Barberio will not tolerate any price gouging by gas stations, hotels or stores providing food to the public," said the statement. "If you encounter any company overcharging for these essentials, please call the mayor’s office immediately at 973-263-4297 or 973-263-4262 or e-mail us at partroymayorsoffice@parsippany.net."

Chuck Gubitosa of Pine Brook told Patch that he's been alarmed by what he has seen.

"The Sunoco on Route 46 west next to Wendy's in the shopping center with Home Depot and Staples was charging $4.37 a gallon for premium gas [Monday]," Gubitosa said. "All other stations in the area don't even break $4. Even the Exxon on the corner of Changebridge and Route 202 in Montville, whose Exxon gas is always the highest, was at $3.95. 

"I think we're all suffering quite enough in the aftermath of Sandy. We certainly don't need people to take advantage when we're down," he said.

What are you seeing out there? Have you seen Parsippany filling stations taking advantage of the situation by charging higher prices than their competitors? Tell us in the comments.