By 1:30 p.m., Friday, gas was selling for as high as $4.14 per gallon of unleaded in Marion, while one of Crittenden County's four service stations decided to shut off the pumps altogether for the weekend. Today's activity at the pumps followed a run on gasoline in Marion and around the region Thursday night as customers panicked over a rumor of escalating prices.
Friday marked the first time on record that the price for the lowest grade of gasoline rose above $4 per gallon in Marion.
Friday's activity across the state prompted Gov. Steve Beshear to declare a state of emergency, enacting a law that would allow the attorney general to prosecute anyone accused of price gouging as of Sept. 12. Customers are encouraged to report any suspected price gouging.
