Some Indiana gas stations under investigation Save Email Print
Posted: 4:09 PM Sep 16, 2008
 Last Updated: 4:11 PM Sep 16, 2008
54 comments
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Several Indiana gas stations are being investigated for gas gouging.

Last week, several stations raised their prices, blaming the threat of hurricane Ike on the gas hike.

In Sullivan, pump prices increased to $4.89 a gallon.

But just a few miles away in Terre Haute, prices were $.80 cheaper.

Michiana also had prices in the 4-dollar range.

Several customers complained, and now, the state Attorney General’s office is looking into the matter.
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Posted by: stef Location: germany on Sep 18, 2008 at 01:08 PM
we're paying almost $8.- in germany... quit yer complaining.~~~~
Posted by: Rick Location: Mishatucky on Sep 18, 2008 at 10:21 AM
Do what I did people, get on the Indiana Attorney Generals website and make a complaint. They have a link to make complaints about gas prices. Here is the link. http://www.in.gov/attorneygeneral/consumer/gasonline.html
Posted by: Sporty Location: LaPorte on Sep 18, 2008 at 09:44 AM
Wake up and do what? lol. Wish I COULD do something meaningful to stop the gouging. Even reporting it won't bring the price to where it should be. They're pulling the crank the price up and bring it down a penny at a time trick now. It alleviates some of their stress of seeing oil prices dive. They have a "reason",a Hurricane and used it for all it's worth even though from reports it's done little if any damage. Still,there's the ridiculous price,over $4. I've held off buying any gas over $4 so far but can't do so forever. No way in you know where I was going to pay $4.29 for gas now!! I don't get the people who go to the higher priced stations to get gas when it is usually 10 to 20 cents cheaper right around the corner. I'll drive a good distance for a good deal. Not letting them rip me off for any more than possible. I'd just like to know who the blankety blank is that calls the stations and tells them to raise prices across the board today...'we only set it to what we're told'by WHO?
Posted by: broke too Location: S B on Sep 18, 2008 at 06:46 AM
No gas station should be allowed to raise their price past $4 a gallon !!!! They are all taking us !!!!!!!!!!! Wake up !!!!!!!1
Posted by: Chaz Location: South Bend on Sep 17, 2008 at 08:51 PM
I mean you sound like a 12 year old. You're right, this is a free country and you have the right to make as many racist comments as you like and show how big a fool and racist you really are. Rights I see that you are well acquainted with.
Posted by: eh Location: mi on Sep 17, 2008 at 05:02 PM
what is 12 right? go back to school.we are the land of the free because we are the home of the brave. FREEDOM to say what we want. go try that in a country ran by push-buttons and pull-starts and see where that puts you.
Posted by: Tex the oil man Location: drill here , drill now on Sep 17, 2008 at 04:56 PM
you cant touch us, we're way too slick ;)
Posted by: Steve on Sep 17, 2008 at 04:17 PM
Try to keep in mind who is profiting from the gas prices. It is the oil companies, not the local stations that set the prices. I know someone who owned a Phillips 66 francise for a while. He didn't get to set his own pricing, it was done by the oil company. There were actually months when he would lose money on the gas that he sold. You can bet that the oil company made their profit though.
Posted by: SuZ on Sep 17, 2008 at 03:22 PM
The hurricane is just another excuse. Have we actually been without gas? So is there a shortage? Usually we don't even get an excuse anymore, they just up the price.
Posted by: ej Location: Elkhart on Sep 17, 2008 at 03:07 PM
Some, should be all. Average price in indiana today according to gasbuddy.com is 4.13, the national average is only $3.81. When we are paying more then California which has special blends of gas,there is a problem
Posted by: df Location: LaGrange on Sep 17, 2008 at 03:04 PM
You want price gouging, look in LaGrange, they are always raising and lowering prices at the same time. The Citco station doesn't use what they pay to determine prices, they use bronoculars to see what everyone else is charging to decide to lower or raise the price. Basically they all charge whatever the BP in town is charging, they just take a while to adjust. Usually the BP goes down and the rest follow suit the next day, they can't see the BP sign without leaving the station to see what they are charging. All the rest are always the same price because they can see each others signs.
Posted by: Chaz Location: South Bend on Sep 17, 2008 at 02:59 PM
You do realize that's like saying any one of a 1000 hateful racist terms right? You also realize that telling me to go live in their country because I criticize that term makes you sound about 12 right?
Posted by: eh Location: mi on Sep 17, 2008 at 02:28 PM
if rag head or towel head offends tou, may i suggest that you go live in their wonderful country??????
Posted by: rs Location: south bend on Sep 17, 2008 at 02:17 PM
didn't anyone notice that just about every station was at $4.15 a gallon. i was also told by an employee of a gas station that prices were going to hit $5 a gallon. talk of prices hitting $5 a gallon all over the U.S.
Posted by: JIm Location: St. Joseph on Sep 17, 2008 at 01:36 PM
I wish they would investigate Mi also. But like you feel,it is just a scam to make us think they really care. Nothing will be found, and if it is the station owner fined. So what? They made their money and we still get screwed because what good did fining them do for us? The State gets the money. After a two year investigation that costs more than the gouging. I say publish those under investigation and we quit going there.
Posted by: Don on Sep 17, 2008 at 01:22 PM
Nothing will done because the government is in on the high gas prices,they just put this news out so the people will think something is being done.I guess they they think were all stupid or something???? NOT
Posted by: Sporty Location: LaPorte on Sep 17, 2008 at 01:07 PM
Indy racing uses ethanol or methanol,not gasoline. And if I knew it wouldn't hurt my engine,I'd definately be putting $2.99 E85 in my tank over $4.29 gas,any day!! It's a local product,it's CHEAPER,it keeps $$ out of the hands of those countries who hate us-most oil producers-and I'd feel like I'm not getting ripped like I do every time I fill up my tank now. Nevermind the little bit less fuel mileage,it's still cheaper and I wouldn't be adding to the Oil Co's repeated record profits. So if I could,I def would! And is anyone putting half E85 mix in their cars? If so,how is it affecting their cars/driving experience? I've considered doing that....
Posted by: hey D on Sep 17, 2008 at 12:33 PM
It takes $1.75 worth of oil to make $1.00 worth of that garbage called E85. Do your homework, E85 is costing more to produce than to buy. (Another wonderful government project!)
Posted by: Myrt on Sep 17, 2008 at 12:24 PM
To Sporty: Indianapolis' gas MAY be cheaper because of the racing affliliation. You've got tank town outside of the drag strip and don't forget the Indianapolis Raceway.
Posted by: Chaz Location: South Bend on Sep 17, 2008 at 11:40 AM
Towel heads? Rag heads? Nice. It's a wonder they won't give nice hard working fellows like you guys a break. Since you're so polite and understanding.
Posted by: Karl Marx Location: Germany on Sep 17, 2008 at 10:51 AM
We'll teach those capitalist pigs something. As long as the populace values American Idol or ND football more than taking the time to try to understand microeconomic concepts such as private property, replacement costs and price wars, my theories will thrive!!!!
Posted by: L Dub on Sep 17, 2008 at 10:48 AM
Ok, but why was gas only $3.30 in Texas?
Posted by: D Location: South Bend on Sep 17, 2008 at 10:13 AM
Here's a solution. Every car built after 1994 is "alcohol compliant". That means that the rubber in the fuel system has been changed to handle the 10% ethanol in our gas (Arizona uses as much as 30% ethanol in their gas). Everyone's car (newer than the 1994 mark)can burn 50% E85 right now with no modifications and literally no drop in fuel economy. I'm burning straight E85 in my car and it's not an Flex fuel car. I certainly don't recommend doing that...but 50% is going to show no difference (Except in your wallet).
Posted by: Sporty Location: LaPorte on Sep 17, 2008 at 09:55 AM
I reported gouging for stations in LaPorte and Michigan City which always seem to be higher than nearly anywhere in the area. I can get gas cheaper in Portage,South Bend and then going south of us. Gas near Indianapolis is like 30 or 40 cents cheaper! What's with that??? WHY are we continually getting ripped? Gas in our area jumped before Ike was even in the Gulf to $4.09 a gallon! Now if THAT ain't gouging folks,I don't know what is. And now days after Ike gas comes down a penny here,penny there. Still over $4 at most stations. It's disgusting! Think it's the fact they see the writing on the wall with oil prices crashing around them and they don't want to give up their cash cow so they're doing whatever they can to keep prices up. And I'll keep reporting them if they do!!!
Posted by: mom Location: mishawaka on Sep 17, 2008 at 09:50 AM
well we all could get out our bikes get some exercise adn kill 2 birds with one stone...lose weight and save money...how bout that? if you know nothing is going to be done then why not beat them at their own game? enough is enough i have kids to raise!
Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 17, 2008 at 09:14 AM
When oil was $70 a barrel gas was $3.00 a gallon. So when Oil hit $147 why did gas not go to $6.00 a gallon? Gas was $1.50 a gallon in 1993, so is the price suppose to stay the same? prices go up, get used to it. We need to quit wasting gas, buying trucks and SUV that get 12mpg, slow down and quit speeding. Educate yourselves on oil and the world market before coming on here and crying.
Posted by: Kim Location: Middlebury on Sep 17, 2008 at 09:12 AM
My problem with the whole situation is we were ALL told that the hurricanes ( Could Stop ) production?? The prices were increased before this even happened if it ever did??? I still haven't heard anything from the ANY news stating that any production was stopped???? So why are the prices sky high????? It seems like it was just another excuse to increase the prices that Are already way too high! According to the price of a barrel of gas, thats lower than it has been???? The rich get richer while the hard working folks pay for it again!! We all need to contact the attorney generals office Maybe it will help Who knows but we have to start doing something to make change happen!!
Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 17, 2008 at 08:57 AM
All this gasoline was manufactured before Ike. It is stored in huge tanks, like the BP facility in Granger. Therefore, there was no reason to raise the prices. The Texas refineries only produce 20% of the gasoline. That means 80% is produced elsewhere in the country. Anyway, why are we getting our gas from Texas, when we have refineries right here in Indiana. I bet all of out gasoline goes to Illinois. Also why is are gas always higher here, than other parts of the area. Something sounds fishy to me.
Posted by: K Location: Elkhart on Sep 17, 2008 at 07:14 AM
What makes my blood boil is this...I dont get how the gas prices remain so very high when the price per barrel has dropped to under $100 (Last I checked anyway) Shouldn't the gas prices reflect that? Shouldn't the gas prices be down around the $2.85 to $3 range at least?? Some of them, dare I say ALL of them, are price gouging. It's blatantly obvious. They, whoever THAT is, has us over the "barrel" and we, as common citizens are seemingly powerless to do anything about it. Just riding a bike to work isn't going to fix this...Something major needs to happen.
Posted by: Rhonda Location: Bristol on Sep 17, 2008 at 05:49 AM
Elkhart area they jumped prices to $4.15 for no reason and are keeping them there. Elkhart County residents are already struggling to make ends meet. How can you budget for GAS!!!!!! You know they are the only business that rip people off and get away with it. Where's Mitch NOW!! In the gym!
Posted by: jim Location: elkhart on Sep 17, 2008 at 04:31 AM
the bawa station in elkhart also raised their gas to 4.15 per gal.they need to check on this station to.they are rag heads.the att/general is just making a show.he will not and never has donr nothing at all.gas companys are bigger crooks than the guys in prison.but yet they get by with it,you know why the state is getting tax money
Posted by: lied to Location: niles on Sep 17, 2008 at 02:36 AM
I was at a station on thrusday and told to fill up because gas was going to $5 a gallon and this was from the employees! They are training them to panic customers into buying more gas then they need. it is all a scam!
Posted by: Do more calling on Sep 17, 2008 at 12:55 AM
More people should complain to the State Attourney General's offce and phone in the gas prices in their area when it becomes so high. Then they will see just how much gouging there really is. If they get enough calls, maybe they will do something about the gouging just to shut everyone up.
Posted by: Anon Location: S. Bend on Sep 16, 2008 at 11:36 PM
WNDU - can you publish a list of gas stations being investigated? (So we all know not to go to them even if/when their prices fall back down - I know I don't want to frequent/support a gouging station!)
Posted by: ron on Sep 16, 2008 at 11:27 PM
why did i hear that our area gets at least 50% of our oil from the gulf......
Posted by: Tator on Sep 16, 2008 at 10:05 PM
Its all criminal! Theifs
Posted by: Melissa Location: Mishawaka on Sep 16, 2008 at 09:55 PM
It's about time they look into it. This has been going on way too often. And the hurricane's have nothing to do with it. Because they still make their money nonetheless.
Posted by: Bob on Sep 16, 2008 at 09:48 PM
There is no law against selling your product for whatever the market will bear. There is a law against colluding to raise prices artificially, but the article says that there were other gas stations nearby at 80 cents lower. No law was broken, the State's AG is just trying to impress the electorate and appear useful. Nothing will happen.
Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 16, 2008 at 09:43 PM
Oil is down to 92 dollars a barrell, but no relief at the pump...what gives..theres a story for you wndu.
Posted by: Justin Location: Warsaw on Sep 16, 2008 at 08:27 PM
I think gas is in the 4 dollar range everywhere..for instance 2 days ago in warsaw gas was at 4.85 a gallon....now this raises the question in my head, Is there anyone out there that watches for gas stations doing this gas gouging, besides us the public?........
Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 16, 2008 at 07:08 PM
The price of sweet crude oil (barreled oil) is down some 30% now. WHY is the pumps only reflecting a 7% drop???? Something is VERY FISHY here!!
Posted by: Todd Location: South Bend on Sep 16, 2008 at 06:47 PM
I hope the look at BP stations. Most of our gas around here comes from the refinery in Chicago...which was not effected...but the prices at their stations shot up.
Posted by: steve Location: warsaw on Sep 16, 2008 at 06:36 PM
Even if they find something there will not be anything done about it
Posted by: john Location: mish on Sep 16, 2008 at 06:28 PM
the towel heads in osceola are still over $4, they are crooks. Smith should have never sold the place
Posted by: eric Location: south bend on Sep 16, 2008 at 06:22 PM
save your receipt so you can report gouging stations.
Posted by: David Location: South Bend on Sep 16, 2008 at 05:34 PM
Oil less than $100 a barrel. Gas still high. Since only 3% of the nations oil comes from the gulf, why is gas still so high? Seems like we are paying to much.
Posted by: Disgruntled Location: New Buffalo on Sep 16, 2008 at 05:25 PM
I think you can probably find that every city has their share of these price gougers.Unfortunately,as small as we are,we have to go out of city limits for our gas, because the only two in town are gougers.
Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 16, 2008 at 05:19 PM
Thanks Mr. Gas station owner! I hope you loose big time. You should be ashamed og yourself! You are a criminal!
Posted by: Mr. Obvious Location: South Bend on Sep 16, 2008 at 05:11 PM
$100 says nothing will be found.
Posted by: Kate Location: Mishawaka on Sep 16, 2008 at 04:52 PM
Well, it is about time!
Posted by: Shame on you Location: NC on Sep 16, 2008 at 04:36 PM
The Craft station In New Carlisle in One of them that raised their price to over $4 a gallon.
Posted by: Anonymous Location: Starke County on Sep 16, 2008 at 04:34 PM
I live in Starke County, and Family Expressin raised theirs to 4.29 and the other stations in town were still 4.17. Seemed to be a trend with that particular franchise I noticed; they were ALL higher than everyone else. I travelled to North Manchester on Monday and was able to fill up there for 4.16, which was the going rate all the way there. However, this station was still way above everyone else. Seems fishy to me.
Posted by: mark on Sep 16, 2008 at 04:34 PM
nice but too bad nothing will actually be done
Posted by: Bob Location: SB on Sep 16, 2008 at 04:28 PM
Good, we all know the game, local gas station are reaping huge windfalls while they play their little game with prices. Yes, we know all about it, do you think we are stupid? Gas goes up 25 cents on gas you paid much less on in your tank, and then you slowly lower in back a penny or two at time when competition forces it. I hope the attorney general procecutes them to the fullest extent of the law.