AG Warns of Price Gouging in Four Counties Hit Hard by Wildfires

Drummond cautions businesses that the Emergency Price Stabilization Act is in effect to protect consumers from unfair price hikes.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond has issued a warning to businesses in four counties affected by recent wildfires, reminding them that the Emergency Price Stabilization Act is in effect. This law prohibits price increases of more than 10% for goods and services, protecting citizens from unfair price hikes during the emergency. Drummond also highlighted temporary suspensions of certain pharmacy and Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) audit activities in the impacted counties.

Why it matters

Price gouging often occurs in the aftermath of natural disasters, when vulnerable residents are desperate for essential supplies and services. Drummond's warning aims to deter businesses from exploiting the situation and ensure fair pricing for Oklahomans recovering from the wildfires.

The details

The Emergency Price Stabilization Act, also known as the price gouging statute, is in effect for Beaver, Harper, Texas, and Woodward counties in Oklahoma, where a State of Emergency has been declared due to the recent wildfires. The law prohibits businesses from increasing prices by more than 10% for goods and services. Drummond cautioned that violators will face legal consequences. Additionally, the attorney general reminded pharmacies and PBMs of temporary suspensions on below-cost reimbursement appeals and audits in the affected counties during the state of emergency and for 30 days afterward.

  • A State of Emergency has been declared in the four counties due to the past week's wildfires.

The players

Gentner Drummond

The Attorney General of Oklahoma who issued the warning about price gouging and temporary suspensions of pharmacy and PBM activities in the counties affected by wildfires.

Emergency Price Stabilization Act

Also known as the price gouging statute, this law prohibits businesses from increasing prices by more than 10% for goods and services during a declared state of emergency.

Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs)

Companies that manage prescription drug benefits on behalf of health insurers, self-insured employers, union plans, and government programs.

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What they’re saying

“Oklahomans recovering from the wildfires are protected from unfair price hikes and fraud. Any businesses that violate the law will be held accountable by my office.”

— Gentner Drummond, Attorney General of Oklahoma (okenergytoday.com)

“In the wake of disaster, these bad actors often target vulnerable homeowners desperate to rebuild. While the desire to quickly repair damage is understandable, taking time to carefully select a reputable contractor is crucial to protecting yourself, your family and your property.”

— Gentner Drummond, Attorney General of Oklahoma (okenergytoday.com)

What’s next

Drummond encouraged Oklahoma consumers to be on the lookout for contractor fraud and report any suspected fraud activity through his Consumer Protection Unit.

The takeaway

This price gouging warning from the Oklahoma Attorney General aims to protect vulnerable residents in wildfire-affected counties from unfair business practices and ensure fair pricing for essential goods and services during the recovery process.