If Loews gauges during a storm, and Home Depot doesn't, you should remember it and reward Home Depot. I remember a story long ago where HD did just that during a storm and ended up with a much bigger market share later.
I suspect that local businesses support anti-gouging laws. Without outsiders coming in and cutting into their trade, local establishments will have a nice steady business for months after a disaster.
Pity about the poor consumers though.