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price gouging

Price gouging occurs when retailers or other sellers take advantage of the increased demand and insufficient supply of goods and services—often commodities and basic necessities—following a natural disaster, war, civil unrest, or other event, and increase prices beyond a fair or reasonable amount.

In Pennsylvania, price gouging is regulated under the Pennsylvania Price Gouging Act, which is enforced by the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General. The Act prohibits excessive and unjustified increases in the prices of goods or services during a state of emergency. Specifically, it is illegal for any party within the supply chain to charge a price that exceeds 20% of the average price at which those goods or services were sold for in the 7 days preceding the declaration of a state of emergency. This regulation applies to all stages of the supply chain, including retailers, distributors, and manufacturers. The state of emergency must be declared by the Governor of Pennsylvania or by the federal government for the price gouging protections to activate. Violations of the price gouging law can result in penalties, including fines and restitution, and are enforced by the Attorney General's office. Consumers who notice potential price gouging during an emergency are encouraged to report it to the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General.

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Consumers

price gouging

As a LegalFix Member You Will Be an Important Client of Local Law Firms

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Pennsylvania State Code

Pennsylvania State Code

Consumers

price gouging

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