September 12, 2008
Hurricane Ike expected to cause damage, but impact unknown
LANSING - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today asked Michigan citizens not to panic in the wake of reports of rising gas prices in the wake of Hurricane Ike, which is bearing down on the Gulf Coast. The governor reassured citizens that while prices may increase somewhat, Michigan's current gas supply is sufficient to meet demand and asked them to report any incidents of price gouging.
"There is no cause for panic over gas supplies here in Michigan," Granholm said. "My administration is closely monitoring the situation on the Gulf Coast and is prepared to respond to any impact the impending storm may bring."
Granholm issued her statement after numerous reports to her office of long lines and high emotion at gas stations around the state. The governor reminded citizens that while Hurricane Ike has forced the temporary closure of several gas refineries and the extent of the damage won't be known for several days and there is no current shortage of supply, and any potential impact would not be felt in the state for several days.
Granholm said she has been in touch this afternoon with Attorney General Mike Cox to discuss the prosecution of price gouging.
"In the wake of the attacks of September 11 and Hurricane Katrina, a few opportunists tried to take advantage of Michigan citizens by significantly raising gas prices without justification," said Granholm. "Those opportunists were prosecuted, and anyone who tries it now will be prosecuted too."
Granholm encouraged citizens to report any price gouging by contacting the Consumer Protection Division of the Attorney General's office at 1-877-765-8388 or online at www.michigan.gov/ag.
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