AUGUSTA — In response to concerns about the potential for price gouging as Maine responds to COVID-19, Governor Janet Mills issued March 17 a Declaration of Abnormal Market Disruption.

The declaration, drafted in close consultation with Attorney General Aaron M. Frey, prohibits certain necessities from being sold at unconscionable prices, a news release noted.

Maine law gives the Governor, per the release, the authority to issue such a declaration to prevent “profiteering in necessities.”

It comes as the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) receives allegations of price gouging, according to the release, and empowers the OAG to investigate these claims and take action, if necessary.

Governor Mills’ declaration specifies the necessities affected by the COVID-19 market disruption as: 1) paper products; 2) cleaning supplies; 3) hand sanitizer; 4) personal hygiene products; 5) medicine and medical supplies; 6) food; and 7) water.

This declaration of abnormal market disruption includes both retail and wholesale sales, per the release.

Under the order, these items will not be allowed to be sold to consumers at more than 15 percent the price these goods and services were sold immediately prior to the disruption, the release noted. 

“The coronavirus is already making life difficult enough without bad actors trying to take advantage of Maine people by inflating prices for critical items,” said Governor Mills. “With allegations of price-gouging in our state rising, this declaration gives the Office of the Attorney General full authority to investigate price gouging claims and take swift action to address them.”

“I appreciate Governor Mills making this important declaration to protect Maine citizens from having to pay unconscionable prices for necessary products,” said Attorney General Frey. “The Office of the Attorney General will continue to work with the Executive Branch and the Legislature to ensure that the public is protected during this crisis.”

Governor Mills and Attorney General Frey also urged Mainers to be mindful of the unfortunate reality that crises like this one are exploited by scammers sometimes.

Consumers should not give their personal or financial information to individuals who contact them unexpectedly, and should carefully research offers of goods or services that are made to them, as these offers could be too good to be true.

Consumers who believe they have received an attempted scam or who have witnessed price gouging should contact the Consumer Protection Division of the Office of the Attorney General.