Price gouging is the practice of increasing the prices of goods, services, or commodities to a level much higher than is considered reasonable or fair, usually after a demand or supply shock. This commonly applies to price increases of basic necessities after natural disasters, such as food, clothing, shelter, medicine, and equipment needed to preserve life and property. Price gouging is similar to profiteering but can be distinguished by being short-term and localized and by being restricted to essentials. In some jurisdictions of the United States during civil emergencies, price gouging is a specific crime. Price gouging is considered by some to be exploitative and unethical and by others to be a simple result of supply and demand.

High prices alone do not mean that price gouging has taken place, as businesses are generally allowed to determine the prices for their products. However, if a disaster has been declared by the Governor or President, and businesses raise the price of their products to exorbitant or excessive rates to take advantage of the disaster declaration, then it is quite likely that price gouging is taking place, and it is illegal. The Price Gouging Statute covers lodging and storage facilities and essential commodities necessary for use or consumption as a direct result of the emergency. If you suspect price gouging, obtain as much information as possible in the form of photographs of signs displaying the price, receipts, estimates, reservation numbers and prices, invoices, or bills.