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The state attorney general yesterday slapped a subpoena on Craigslist, demanding that the popular Web site identify sellers who jacked up prices on post-Sandy gas, generators and other supplies, The Post has learned.
The subpoena is part of a widespread probe into rip-off hotel rooms, groceries, transportation and other essential and emergency supplies announced this week by the AG’s Office.
More than 100 Craigslist users are being targeted by AG Eric Schneiderman for chiseling New Yorkers desperate for essential items in the wake of last week’s hurricane, according to an official.
Shortly after the AG warned the sleazy sellers that they were under investigation, some of the most brazen offers were removed from the site’s “for sale” boards.
But a $500 gas-can hawker still had his notice up, offering “5 gallon empty gas container. Only 7 left. $500 each. Non-negotiable.”
Other advertisers were offering empty red 5-gallon cans — which retail for under $20 — for between $40 and $100 on the site. One Flushing advertiser offered a 12-gallon tank, which usually sells for $100, for $220.
Gas is another hot Craigslist commodity, with the suddenly precious fuel being offered by many on the site for between $20 and $100 a gallon, the listings show.
Gas in New York is currently selling at about $4.12 a gallon, but with hours-long wait times at many stations.
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One Battery Park advertiser claimed to have “a truck full of 5-gal containers with unleaded gas . . . $120 per container.” The ad went on to say that the buyer was paying $100 for the container and storage, and $4 a gallon for the fuel.
Another seller offered to deliver 5 gallons of gas for $100.
“I am working for $15.50-per-gallon commission for providing you with my service,” the advertiser said.
A Bensonhurst seller urged customers to “AVOID THE LONG LINES!” and buy his extra 5 gallons of premium gas (no container) for $50, noting “the higher price is only to cover expenses such as tolls, gas and time.”
Craigslist also has featured dozens of ads for generators — with prices on many near or more than double what the machines sell for at retail.
Recent offerings included an 8,000-watt, $1,250 generator offered at $2,500, and others in the $600-$700 retail range being hawked at $1,000 to $1,200.
New York law prohibits taking advantage of consumers by selling goods or services for an “unconscionably excessive price” during an emergency.
“Our office has zero tolerance for price gouging [and] will do everything we can to stop unscrupulous individuals from taking advantage of New Yorkers trying to rebuild their lives,” Schneiderman said.
The AG’s Office has recorded more than 600 complaints of price-gouging — including hotels that have tacked on hundreds to room rates, a $7 loaf of bread and $10 matches — since Sandy hit.
Craigslist did not respond to a request for comment.