Michigan authorities are accusing a Romulus gas station of price gouging.
The BP gas station, which is on Middle Belt near the Detroit Metro Airport, was allegedly charging $1.50 or more per gallon compared to nearby competitors, according to a Friday press release from the state attorney general's office.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel issued a cease and desist notice to the business on Thursday for engaging in unlawful business practices, citing concerns that its prices "are taking advantage" of its location near the airport's car rental return.
A Department Special Agent found the gas station listed regular unleaded gas for $4.74 per gallon — prices as much as $2 higher per gallon than other nearby gas stations, according to the release.
Two consumers also complained to the Attorney General's Office about the gas station in the past two months, according to the notice.
"If you have additional information that might serve to justify your prices, we are very interested in receiving it," the notice read. "Know, however, that your mere location would not be a satisfactory justification — even if that is (as one of the consumer complaints suggested) the explanation."
Reached by phone Friday, an employee at the station declined to comment.
BP representatives did not immediately respond Friday.
The Attorney General's Office has now probable cause to believe the gas station unfairly overcharged consumers more than the typical price for its services in violation of the Michigan Consumer Protection Act, the notice read.
The gas station has until Jan. 8 to respond to the notice, pending a civil lawsuit or formal investigation.
"It is my hope this gas station will take this notice seriously and no further action will be necessary," Nessel said Friday. "My office stands ready to investigate reports of businesses that attempt to take advantage of residents, especially during the holiday season."
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