By WMAL.com

The Office of Attorney General Miyares has secured thousands of dollars for Virginians through a settlement with Lovettsville-based Wheeler & Wheeler Inc. d/b/a West End Motors for alleged significant price increases on gasoline, a necessary good, after a state of emergency was declared on May 11, 2021 in response to the temporary shutdown of the Colonial Pipeline. The Colonial Pipeline supplies gas to many East Coast states.

“Virginia law protects consumers from businesses increasing prices on necessary goods and services during a time of crisis,” said Attorney General Miyares. “I am pleased that my office reached an agreement that will make restitution dollars available for affected consumers. The Consumer Protection Section at the Office of the Attorney General will continue to fight for consumer rights and investigate complaints of alleged price gouging during states of emergency in the Commonwealth.”

Under the terms of the settlement, West End Motors agrees to stop any further violations of Virginia’s price gouging law and the Virginia Consumer Protection Act. The business also has agreed to pay $6,567.53 in restitution for affected consumers and will pay the Commonwealth $1,250 in civil penalties and $1,250 in attorneys’ fees. Consumers should file complaints with the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Section to receive consideration for reimbursement if they purchased gasoline on May 11, 12 or 14.

Copyright 2022 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.

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