RALEIGH, N.C. — Attorney General Jeff Jackson announced today that his office has launched an initial round of inquiries into 31 gas stations across North Carolina following consumer complaints of potential price gouging.
The targeted state probes focus on retailers accused of failing to pass along a temporary state gas tax savings directly to drivers. State officials warned that a second wave of investigative inquiries is expected to target additional stations next week.
“Any gas station not passing their tax savings onto customers is violating the law, and we are reviewing every single complaint we receive,” Jackson said in a statement. “Escalation letters have started going out and we are expecting a prompt explanation from each gas station we contact.”
The enforcement action follows the recent passage of Session Law 2026-62, a bipartisan measure enacted by the General Assembly and signed by Gov. Josh Stein. The emergency legislation completely suspends North Carolina’s 41-cent-per-gallon motor fuel tax on both gasoline and diesel from Oct. 10 through Nov. 30.
The state Department of Justice clarified that the initial letters serve as an official notification of consumer concern and a formal request for a prompt explanation of retail pricing practices. State officials emphasized that receiving an inquiry letter does not mean a business has officially been found in violation of state law.
To help monitor compliance, Jackson launched the “N.C. Fuel Check” initiative, encouraging motorists to act as local investigators. Drivers who suspect a retailer is withholding the tax cut can submit reports online at ncdoj.gov/ncfuelcheck or by calling 1-877-5-NO-SCAM.
Valid reports should include the station’s name and address, the date and time of the visit, the specific fuel grades and prices, and a photograph of the retail price sign or purchase receipt.
