Suncoast Energys price gouging, w. no gas prices posted in this strategic location for refueling rental cars near the airport Orlando, Florida
En route to return our rental car, before catching our flight at Orlando International, there had been no gas stations for a long stretch, after leaving Cocoa Beach. We were happy to see this one at 5928 Butler National Dr. and assumed that the price would be in line w. the $3.59/gallon that we had seen in the area and throughout our 4 weeks in other parts of Florida. What a miserable surprise, during pumping, to see their price of $5.799 and how angry we were to see 3 or 4 gas stations just a little distance further on, with prices of $3.59.
Isn't it the law to post prices? And how can one station be so out of line w. others a fraction of a mile away? My sister, who lives in Melbourne, FL, says that this station is fined $200.00/day for not posting their prices; obviously, they are making enough from this price gouging to absorb the fines.
What can be done? I would gladly enter a class action suit. In these economic times, this sort of thing is despicable, if not illegal.
3 Updates & Rebuttals
coast
USANever assume
#4Consumer Comment
Tue, February 21, 2012
"there had been no gas stations for a long stretch, after leaving Cocoa Beach"
Since you didn't see any gas stations while cutting halfway across central Florida, it certainly isn't a surprise that you didn't see the price.
"assumed that the price would be in line w. the $3.59/gallon that we had seen in the area"
You told us you didn't see any gas stations. Now you claim to have seen others with a lower price. Never assume.
Ken
Colorado,USA
While it's apparent they're taking advantage of their proximity to...
#4Consumer Comment
Tue, February 21, 2012
the rental car companies.
I seriously doubt they are being fined $200/day....I know of no law requiring them to post the price on signs at the station.
My cousin's wife told me that her sister said the beauty shop owner said they were being fined $500/day.
That's just as credible as what you posted here on ROR.
Ashley
springfield,Missouri,
U.S.A.
Nothing to sue them over
#4Consumer Comment
Mon, February 20, 2012
http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2008-10-24/news/smith24_1_suncoast-price-gouging-gas-station
They do not have to post the price anywhere but on the gas pump, which you said that the price is indeed posted on the gas pump. They are not price gouging either, at least not by the legal definition:
Florida Statute 501.160 says that during a state of emergency -- such as when a hurricane is in the neighborhood -- it is unlawful to sell essential commodities, which include food, ice, lumber and gasoline, for an amount that "grossly exceeds" the average price for that commodity during the 30 days before the declaration of the state of emergency. If there is a "gross disparity" between the prior price and the current price, it can be considered price gouging.
But since that station had been selling gas at absurd prices long before any state of emergency was declared, there is no "gross disparity."
They can legally sell that gas for that absurd price all they want, so there's nothing to sue them over. It is definately a rip off though, they know it and obviously they make enough profit to keep doing it.