Richmond, VA – Following Governor Abigail Spanberger’s declaration of a state of emergency, Virginia’s anti-price gouging laws are now in effect. These statutes are intended to prevent suppliers from charging excessively high prices for essential goods and services during emergencies.
The law prohibits “unconscionable prices” for necessary items and services after an emergency is declared. Covered goods and services include water, ice, food, generators, batteries, home repair materials and services, as well as tree removal services. The standard for determining if a price is unconscionable is whether it grossly exceeds the price charged in the ten days before the disaster.
Enforcement of these rules falls under the Office of the Attorney General through the Virginia Consumer Protection Act. The office provides legal counsel and representation to state entities while working to protect public safety and constitutional rights. It also delivers consumer protection services across Virginia communities and supports civil rights enforcement and victim assistance programs. More information about these efforts can be found on the official website: https://oag.state.va.us/media-center/news-releases.
Consumers who believe they have been affected by price gouging can contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Section by phone at (800)-552-9963 or by email at consumer@oag.state.va.us. Complaints may also be submitted online using the provided complaint form. Issues related to gasoline or motor fuel pricing should be reported to the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
“Consumers are not forced into paying outrageously high prices for essential goods during an emergency,” said officials from the Attorney General’s office. “The act prohibits suppliers from charging ‘unconscionable prices’ for ‘necessary goods and services’ following a declared state of emergency.”
The Attorney General’s office serves all residents throughout Virginia, offering resources for identity theft prevention and fraud reporting, as well as addressing issues such as human trafficking and domestic violence through legal advocacy.
For more details on available programs or to file a complaint, visit https://oag.state.va.us/media-center/news-releases.
