COLUMBIA, S.C. — Citing the disruption service of the Colonial Pipeline, South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson announced the state's price gouging statute is in effect as of Tuesday, May 11.
Colonial Pipeline was under cyberattack over the weekend and the company shut down supply lines in an abundance of caution. The pipelines supply approximately 40% of the petroleum on the East Coast with lines running from New York to Texas. South Carolina has three spurs where gasoline is offloaded for transport -- in Belton, Spartanburg and North Augusta.
Wilson, along with SC Governor Henry McMaster, urges citizens to remain patient during the temporary gas shortage. He also wants people to report instances of price gouging at the pump.
“I urge citizens to remain vigilant and notify my office immediately if you believe you have witnessed or are aware of price gouging. Please email any examples or documentation to pricegouging@scag.gov; go to the front page of our website at www.scag.gov to fill out a form to report price gouging, or call 803-737-3953 if you have witnessed a likely violation.”
The price gouging law says those found guilty can be charged with a misdemeanor for excessive pricing, with a penalty of $1,000 fine and/or 30 days in jail.