[E. Pluribus Unum]

Individuals or businesses that engage in price gouging face fines of up to $1,000 per violation, or up to a maximum fine of $25,000 a day.

How is it "price gouging" to add the increased costs of getting inventory into a storm-ravaged area to the price of the product.

If you punish merchants by forcing them to essentially sell their product at a loss because you insist the price be the same after the storm as before the storm, it is going to take a whole lot longer to get essential products into a disaster area.

But logic has nothing to do with socialist policies.

[Dutchgirl]

You don't get alot of hurricanes in Missouri, but am sure that you have seen how disasters can bring out the best and worst in people. Until this law went into effect, it was common for merchants to mark up the cost of necesities like batteries,bags of ice and canned food - in advance of the storm, products already on their shelves- no additional expense there.

Transportation companies are also not allowed to gouge- therefore, the merchant is not paying more, and if there is a huge demand which makes the price rise- such as with plywood and generators, then the merchant is allowed to pass those costs along.

[beachn4fun]

How is it "price gouging" to add the increased costs of getting inventory into a storm-ravaged area to the price of the product? If you punish merchants by forcing them to essentially sell their product at a loss because you insist the price be the same after the storm as before the storm, it is going to take a whole lot longer to get essential products into a disaster area.

quote....."unless the increases in the amount charged are attributable to additional costs incurred by retailers.......unquote.