Today marks a record setting high for gas prices across the nation and consumers are feeling the pinch. What can you do to help control gas prices?

When a gas station's price is 18 cents above the national average, people may report the gas station. The Energy Information Administration has a web site for individuals to check these averages on a daily bases and be able to compare them to what is current, yesterday, a month, and a year ago. Keep in mind that unless a gas station is selling 18 cents above the national average, they can set their prices as they see fit.

In the past, Attorney General Nixon has sued gas stations for price gouging in the aftermath of 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina. Missouri's price-gouging regulations prohibit charging excessive prices for necessities (including gasoline) in disaster areas, and price gouging is an unfair practice under state consumer protection laws.

If you believe a particular gas station is charging excessively for gas, please provide our office with any specific information that you have concerning that specific station. This should include the business name and its location along with any substantiating documents you may have in your possession. Please do not submit complaints about the price of gas in general. To report a gas station, please feel free to contact the Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-392-8222 or file a consumer complaint online.