Governor Addresses Reports of High Prices at Gas Pumps

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 12, 2001
Contact: Mike Foster
Communications Officer
406/444-5523

Governor's Report on Terrorist Situation 9/12--4:00 p.m. Governor Addresses Reports of High Prices at Gas Pumps Governor's Report on Terrorist Situation 9/12--9:00 a.m. Governor's Report on Terrorist Situation 9/11--7:45 p.m. Governor's Report on Terrorist Situation 9/11-3:30 p.m. Governor Calls For All Montanans to Donate Blood Governor Martz Statement in Response to Terrorist Attacks Executive Order Proclaiming an Emergency to Exist in the State of Montana

In the wake of yesterday's terrorist attacks, reports of unjustified high prices at gas pumps have been received both in and outside Montana, according to Governor Judy Martz.

“I am very proud that the vast majority of gas stations across our state have refused to give into the temptation to raise gas prices during this incredibly tragic time,” Governor Martz said. “To the best of our knowledge, no shortages or major increases at the wholesale level have occurred that would justify any dramatic increase in gas prices at the pump. I ask all Montana retail gas businesses not to take unfair advantage of any lingering fear yesterday’s attacks may have caused, and I ask all Montanans not to panic due to this national tragedy.”

Governor Martz also encouraged any individuals with reports of unjustified price increases to call the Department of Energy at 1-800-244-3301.

Due to increases in the barrel prices of crude oil, Montanans may begin to see small price increases over the next few days, according to the Montana Department of Administration.

“Gas stations, by law, are not allowed to charge consumers less for gas than what the station paid,” said Barbara Ranf, director of the Department of Administration. “We may see minor price increases in the next week because crude oil prices are increasing. This increase does not effect current retail gas prices, and should have a minimal effect in the near future.”

The Montana Office of Consumer Protection in the Department of Administration notes that in addition to any penalties the Department of Energy may issue to a gas station engaged in unjustified price increasing, Montana law provides additional penalties.

"We ask you to call the 1-800-244-3301 to report any unjustified price increase to the Department of Energy,” said Cort Jensen with the Montana Office of Consumer Protection. “If a Montanan gas station is engaging in what you feel is abusive pricing, please also call 406-444-5439 and leave a message with the name, location, and price of gasoline. We will investigate all such claims.”

The Office of Consumer Protection has received complaints, but most of them involve stations outside the state, according to Jensen.

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