The emergency declaration put into effect foe the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic means merchants cannot make major increases to their prices -- that would be defined as price gouging, and is against the law.
The Louisiana Attorney General's web site defines price gouging "as the increase in prices or value for goods and services that are higher than the prices ordinarily charged for comparable goods and services at or immediately before the time of a state of emergency. Once a state of emergency is declared by the governor or parish president, a price gouging ban is placed on the area declared to be under the state of emergency. The ban may remain in effect for up to 30 days after the state of emergency ends."
"If consumers suspect price gouging, they should report it to their local law enforcement agencies," said Attorney General Jeff Landry. "We do not want people or businesses to illegally take advantage of this crisis."
When reporting suspected price gouging, consumers should include information such as the name and address of the merchant and the price and receipt of the item or service. They should also leave their own name, phone number, and address so investigators can follow up with them.
The attorney general notes that it is not price gouging if it's attributable to verifiable market fluctuations.