Now thats the way to look at it Garrett and Darrell. If there are rogue gas station owners who are violating state and federal laws in some case, they can and should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Here in TN, the State and Local Police are keeping an eye on the possibility of Gouging. If it occurs, they have been instructed to follow procedure and bring the practice to an immediate halt. There may very well be a few dirtbags out there who would screw us all even in this trying time, but they probably won't stay in business very long if cooler heads prevail.
My advice, report any gouging immediately to your local authorities and file an official complaint.
In any case, I further suggest keeping as cool about the whole situation as possible. Panic only breeds more panic, then it becomes a self fulfilling prophecy as to the end results. It never hurts to have a contingency plan, just in case. I did and still have mine in place from the fear mongering two years ago. Fortunately, I did not need to put it into use at thqt time. More fortunate still, my plan is still just as useful in this situation as it would/could have been on Dec. 31, 1999 @2359 hrs local.
I have no less than 1000 gallons of properly stored drinking water in 55 gallon food grade barrels stored below ground level , 6-12 months of emergency food rations depending on the number of people (2-4 adults), over 3 months supply of oil, gasoline, D-2, and K-1, and I did have 5 months supply of Premium dogfood stored in 55 gal. moisture sealed opentop steel barrels for my wolfpack, which has since been used.
Because of this, I have been called a lot of names ranging from "Common Sense Survivalist to gun toting conspiracy theorist wacko". I reckon depending on the thinking of the name caller, any of them may or may not be accurate, but being fiscally responsible, mentally aware, morally and provisionally prepared for a bad situation has allowed me to weather storms that would have mentally and morally bankrupted "NORMAL" folks. It also allowed me to have a good bellylaugh at those sheep tonight who were panicked at the though of possibly paying $4-8/gal for gas. In a real pinch, most of those folks would not last three days. These same sheep are the ones who clean out the shelves of the Local K-Roger when the first flake of snow flutters downward from the sky in winter.
I guess thats one of the main reason why I feel I fit in pretty well with you folks here, as many of you give me the impression that you are of like mind. Paraphrasing that wise old saying, "An once of preparedness and improvisation equals a pound of cure for a an empty belly and unquenched thirst!"
Don't come knocking on my door during an emergency demanding anything! I'd sooner give you something that Ajax won't wash off! Knock on my door with hat in hand, a strong back, ideas and helpful solutions, and we both prosper!