“…(the state sued) a Howard Johnson Express in Parsippany…New Jersey law defines price gouging as an “excessive price increase,†or of 10 percent or more, during a declared state of emergency…Businesses sued by 
the state face penalties of $10,000 for a first offense and $20,000 for a second offense…”
New Jersey accused seven filling stations and a hotel of gouging customers during the state of emergency after Hurricane Sandy by raising prices as much as 59 percent.
The storm last week killed more than 100 people, triggered an almost 14-foot tidal surge, displaced thousands and knocked out power to millions. It crippled mass transit and interrupted supplies of gasoline.
“We warned merchants again and again not to violate the law by taking advantage of people following this catastrophe,†Chiesa said. “The fact that we have these fringe businesses that think that disasters are a profit center is troubling.â€
The state Division of Consumer Affairs got 2,000 complaints about price gouging for gasoline, generators, food and lodging, according to Chiesa. About 83 percent involved gas stations, he said. About 4 percent of the state’s 2,400 gas retailers were subject to subpoenas.
For more: http://www.businessweek.com/news/2012-11-09/new-jersey-plans-price-gouging-suits-against-8-businesses
