Lets get a definition gouging. Say Company A has a profit margin of 7%. What % profit margin would it need to get to for it to be considered gouging?
That's my point, a clear definition needs to be set of what is considered gouging.
Since during hurricanes, natural disasters, they are quick to cite other industries for gouging, even when their costs might be rising to obtain a product (i.e. Home Depot having to bring in extra supplies of plywood to a storm area during a storm raises their costs, but still they're not allowed to charge more for the plywood or they'll be prosecuted), a clear definition of what is considered gouging needs to be set.
When your customers reach critical mass, scream bloody murder, and the yelps for someone's scalp frightens an election-mindful Congress to threaten you with an excess profits tax.