| Houston, Texas — Harris County Attorney Christian D. Menefee has secured a $50,000 penalty against a Houston-area gas station that engaged in price gouging during Hurricane Beryl. This judgment sends a clear message to businesses: if you exploit the community during a disaster, the consequences will far outweigh any short-term profits. Super Stop, a gas station located on North Main Street in Baytown that increased fuel prices by over 40% during the hurricane, agreed to pay the penalty after being unable to justify its excessive price hikes. The gas station has also agreed to cease and desist from charging exorbitant prices during future declared disasters. “Harris County won’t tolerate businesses taking advantage of residents in times of crisis,” said Menefee. “We’re holding companies accountable. If you try to exploit a natural disaster to mark up your profits on the backs of Harris County residents, we will find out. And it’s going to cost you.” During Hurricane Beryl, the Harris County Attorney’s Office set up a task force to investigate price gouging complaints and received over 250 complaints. While most businesses complied with cease-and-desist orders, Super Stop refused, and the office promptly took legal action. |