Nassau County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi, the Nassau County Office of Consumer Affairs and the Long Island Gasoline Retailers Associations, Inc. (LIGRA) have reached an accord that will limit consumer costs on their gasoline purchases.

LIGRA, an association of more than 1,000 gas stations and repair shops in Long Island and Queens, has pledged not to raise gas prices any more than their increased costs on the price of gasoline. This is a significant commitment, considering the recent steep increase in gas prices, that should help prevent price gouging, said Suozzi.

"The agreement made by LIGRA is a welcome one at a time when gas prices are jumping every day," Suozzi said. "This will protect consumers from price gouging, while still allowing gas station owners to conduct business."

"The agreement with LIGRA, combined with Senator Carl Marcellino's initiative to eliminate state sales tax on gas, will help provide relief to the motoring public," said Consumer Affairs Commissioner Roger C. Bogsted.

"The gasoline retailers are suffering along with the consumers as a result of the sudden price increase," said Kathryn Odessa, executive director of the LIGRA. "While retailers have no control over the price they pay for gasoline, the majority of retailers are only passing along to the public, the cost needed to keep their businesses viable."

The New York State Consumer Protection Board has set up a gasoline price gouging hotline at 1-800-214-4372.

Nassau County District Attorney Denis Dillon has announced that he has created a "Price Gouging Hotline." Dillon is focusing on local gas businesses that may be taking advantage of consumers as a result of the recent tragedy in the South.

"It is unconscionable that anyone would attempt to benefit in the wake of this horrific event," said Dillon. "My office will accept any complaints regarding possible gas price gouging and will either pursue them criminally or bring them directly to the attention of the attorney general and the Nassau County Office of Consumer Affairs, both of which have jurisdiction over specific price gouging statutes and unconscionable trade practices."

Merchants are guilty of price gouging when they take unfair advantage of consumers by charging grossly excessive prices for essential consumer goods and services during periods of abnormal disruption of the market caused by strikes, power failures, severe shortages or other extraordinary adverse circumstances.

"I invite any Nassau County resident who feels they have been the victim of price gouging or that they have witnessed price gouging to contact my hotline at 571-6306," said Dillon.