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Charlotte Amalie
Friday, March 29, 2024
HomeNewsArchivesNine Gas Stations Violated Price Freeze, DLCA Says

Nine Gas Stations Violated Price Freeze, DLCA Says

The Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs is in the process of assessing fines against nine St. Croix gas stations for violating the price freeze initiated on Aug. 29, while the territory was under the immediate threat of Hurricane Earl.
The stations found to be in violation are: Cruzan Petroleum, East End Service Station, Gas for Less & Mini Mart, Gateway Service Station, Lower Love Service Station, Royal Service Station, Sion Farm Service Station, Speedy Gas, and Welco Gas Station.
In a DLCA release issued Wednesday, the department explained that "before, during, and after Hurricane Earl’s arrival, DLCA representatives were actively monitoring prices throughout the territory—specifically, prices at retail gas stations."
According to the release, the stations violated two DLCA orders: the first, being the price freeze; and the second, being a failure to notify DLCA when prices were changed.
According to the release, "Any increases in the price of gasoline … without the prior written authorization of DLCA, shall be in violation and subject to a hearing."
Each station could face daily fines of up to $400 for each day they were found to be in violation—$200 per day for violating the price freeze, and another $200 per day for failing to notify DLCA of the price change.
Station owners were unavailable for comment late Wednesday.
The Source will continue to investigate the matter.

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