Complaints Of Gas Price Gouging On Rise

As gas prices continue to rise, some businesses are passing their fuel costs on to customers. And that is spurring complaints of price gouging. "What (companies) need to do is let people know upfront they charge a surcharge for gas," said Cheri Reese with the Better Businesses Bureau. Reese told KMBC's Chris Nagus that her office is investigating at least two complaints from Kansas City customers who did not get the information upfront. "One was a mysterious 30 percent overage charge," Reese said. She also said there is a line between covering your fuel expenses and making a profit off a bad situation. "If it costs them $10 to come out and do work at someone's house, they should charge $10, not $20," Reese said. The Missouri attorney general's office is also looking into at least 10 businesses that have tacked on additional charges to pay for gas. It's not clear whether the charges are legitimate. If you think you have been a victim of fuel surcharge gouging, you can file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau. You must put your complaint in writing. Those who price gouge can face penalties up to $1,000 per violation under Missouri consumer protection laws.