Michigan AG Slaps Grasping BP Fuel Station With A Stop & Desist For Worth Gouging

Being positioned subsequent to an airport’s rental automobile return lot shouldn’t be justification sufficient to overcharge prospects by $2.00 a gallon of gasoline, says Michigan AG

A Michigan BP gasoline station located close to the Detroit Metro Airport finds itself in sizzling water for allegedly tacking on an additional $2.00 per gallon in comparison with neighboring stations. The state’s Lawyer Normal has slapped them with a stop and desist order in response.

The discover, which was issued on Thursday, squarely accuses the station of partaking in worth gouging practices. This motion from the Lawyer Normal’s workplace took place following two shopper complaints obtained within the final two months, as detailed within the doc.

The investigation performed by two Division Particular Brokers revealed that the gasoline station was promoting common unleaded gasoline for $4.74 per gallon, as reported by the Detroit Information. This marked a big distinction of as much as $2.00 per gallon in comparison with the costs at different close by gasoline stations.

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Michigan Lawyer Normal Dana Nessel cited issues about worth inflation and benefiting from shoppers as the first causes behind the letter. The gasoline station’s proximity to the Metro Detroit Airport, and the rental automobile lot, added to the issues concerning potential exploitation of shoppers.

“When you have further data which may serve to justify your costs, we’re very excited by receiving it,” the discover learn. “Know, nevertheless, that your mere location wouldn’t be a passable justification — even when that’s (as one of many shopper complaints prompt) the reason.”

The gasoline station has till January 8 to reply to the discover, pending a civil lawsuit or a proper investigation. The stop and desist discover mentioned that overcharging drivers may very well be a violation of the Michigan Shopper Safety Act.

“It’s my hope this gasoline station will take this discover significantly and no additional motion will likely be vital,” mentioned Nessel. “My workplace stands prepared to research reviews of companies that try and reap the benefits of residents, particularly through the vacation season.”