ROMULUS, MI — A gas station near Detroit Metro Airport is being accused by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel’s office of engaging in illegal price gouging related to the cost of fuel at the station. In a letter sent to the owners of the BP gas station located at 9201 Middlebelt Rd, the office ordered the station to “immediately cease and desist from engaging in the unlawful business practices” described in the letter.
Nessel’s office says it received numerous complaints from consumers regarding higher than normal prices for fuel at the station, when compared to competing stations nearby. The BP is located right next to one of the entrances to the airport’s car rental facilities, where cars are dropped off and is one of a few gas stations located on Middlebelt near that entrance.
The complaints claimed that in October and November of this year, the station was charging as much as $1.50 more per gallon than nearby stations Investigators with the state were dispatched to the gas station earlier this month and say that on Dec. 15, one of the agents purchased fuel for $4.79 per gallon.
Five days later, the agent returned and again purchased regular fuel (Octane 87) at $4.74 per gallon when stations a mile away were charging $2.75 per gallon.
“Based upon the information and evidence we have gathered we have probable cause to believe you have engaged in the unfair trade practice of ‘(c)harging the consumer a price that is grossly in excess of the price at which similar property or services are sold,’” reads a portion of the letter sent to owners.
“It is my hope this gas station will take this notice seriously and no further action will be necessary,” Nessel said. “My office stands ready to investigate reports of businesses that attempt to take advantage of residents, especially during the holiday season.”
Retailers are prohibited under the Michigan Consumer Protection Act from charging excessive prices for items or services that are sold at similar retailers.
The BP station has until Jan. 8, 2024 to respond to the letter and to provide information that could justify the significant price increase. The letter does state that the station location and proximity to the airport is not a justifiable reason for the alleged excessive pricing. Nessel’s office is also giving the station the option of “exploring an assurance of voluntary compliance with you.”
In the meantime, Nessel’s office is determining if it will proceed with a civil lawsuit or a formal investigation into the issue.