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AbstractPrice gouging laws are designed to protect consumers from skyrocketing prices, but are they beneficial in practice? In this research, we analyze food retailers' response to widespread price gouging litigation for table eggs at the onset of the COVID‐19 pandemic. Our results suggest that price gouging litigation led to a dramatic change in US food retailer behavior, which persisted long after the resolution of many of these legal disputes. Major grocery retail chains responded to price gouging litigation by announcing price freezes on thousands of staple products. By rigidly adhering to pre‐pandemic price levels for eggs, we find that retailer response led to a breakdown in the historic dynamic equilibrium relationship between egg prices and the costs of major inputs. At a time when the cost of egg production increased sharply, we find that retailers chose to reduce their purchases and price promotions for eggs rather than raise prices. This suggests that—in response to price gouging litigation—food retailers are willing to accept empty shelves in lieu of increasing prices.

During the 2005 hurricane season, gasoline prices rose sharply, both in directly affected areas and elsewhere in the country, and attention turned to the causes underlying these sharp increases. Although gasoline prices have fluctuated since then, Congres continues to consider legislation on fuel pricing, including provisions addressing price gouging. In the 110th Congress, bills have been introduced in both the Senate and the House of Representatives that would adopt federal provisions on price gouging of gasoline and other fuels.

This study analyzes gasoline prices in Florida and Georgia before and after Hurricane Irma, a major weather event that affected both states in 2017. The analysis reveals that gasoline prices in both states increased and stabilized well in advance of state of emergency declarations that triggered the states' price gouging laws. Price gouging laws thus appear to be inconsequential. Free market forces determine prices unhindered by government price controls during hurricane emergencies.

During the 2005 hurricane season, gasoline prices rose sharply rose sharply, both in directly affected areas and elsewhere in the country, and attention turned to the causes underlying these sharp increases. Although gasoline prices have fluctuated since then, Congres continues to consider legislation on fuel pricing, including provisions addressing price gouging. In the 110th Congress, bills have been introduced in both the Senate and the House of Representatives that would adopt federal provisions on price gouging of gasoline and other fuels.

This report discusses state laws regarding price gouging in the event of an emergency, as well as the role the federal government could play in addressing rising gas prices.

Unilever's split from its ice cream division shows market share and market power are very different concepts.

On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) characterized the COVID-19 outbreak as a pandemic. Two days later, the US president declared a state of emergency in Proclamation No. 9994. One of the many problems that arise with a public health crisis is the shortage of essential medical supplies like ventilators, masks, and hand sanitizer. When these items become scarce, some businesses or entrepreneurs try to inflate their prices to make a higher profit when they know they can still sell these necessary items. These high costs on goods during disasters or emergencies can seem unfair and make it difficult for those who need them able to afford them. During these stressful times, it's important for Americans to recognize and report price gouging when they suspect fraudulent activity when purchasing items. Where do people find the authority on anti-price gouging laws? Typically, it is each state's responsibility, however, in times of crisis, the federal government could also do what is necessary to protect the public interests. This paper will assist people in understanding what price gouging is, how to recognize when price gouging is occurring, and how to report it. Additionally, this paper will address what responsibility the federal government has to protect Americans from price gouging schemes in times of crisis and what it is currently implementing to prevent these fraudulent actions.