N.C. Attorney General warns of 'price gouging,' shares how to report it

WLOS — BUNCOMBE COUNTY, N.C. -- Some gas stations across the mountains are running out of fuel over the weekend.

North Carolina gas supplies have been cut short with a spill in Alabama, which caused shortages and long lines in the mountains.

N.C. attorney general and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Roy Cooper made a campaign stop in Buncombe County on Saturday while many drivers were lining up at the pumps.

After Hurricane Ike in 2008 a similar situation happened after a spill, and some stations in our area were charging around $6 a gallon for gas.

Cooper told News 13 price gouging could happen again, like in 2008.

"We need to make sure that does not happen,” Cooper said. “We want people to let us know if they see unusually high gas prices in different times of emergencies. When we have seen spikes, we've been able to take action against gas companies and others."

Gov. Pat McCrory tried to ease fears and decrease opportunities for price gouging by waiving some of the size and weight restrictions on gasoline tank trucks in the state with Executive Order 101.

If you see unusually high gas prices and suspect price gouging, Cooper suggests you go to NCDOJ.gov, where you can report price gouging, or call 877-5-NO-SCAM.