WBRZ - Baton Rouge

LOUISIANA- Price gouging laws are in effect following the state of emergency declaration from Governor Bobby Jindal in response to the imminent threat of Tropical Depression 13.

Price gouging occurs when a seller prices merchandise much higher than is reasonable or fair. The price gouging statute prohibits the raising of prices above the pre-emergency levels unless there is a national or regional market commodity shortage.

This means that gasoline, petroleum products, hotels, motels, and retailers are prohibited from raising prices during this state of emergency unless they incur a spike in the price of doing business.

The price gouging laws carry both civil and criminal penalties.

If you suspect price gouging, please contact the Louisiana At­torney General's Office at 800-351-4889, or visit www.agbuddycaldwell.com for more information.