There is also the increased cost of getting this merchandise to an area that is in shortage. If the roads are in disrepair, or there is flooding, it's gonna cos

There is also the increased cost of getting this merchandise to an area that is in shortage. If the roads are in disrepair, or there is flooding, it's gonna cost more to stock it. I have a feeling that not all increased prices are gouging... a lot of it is just that people don't want to have to pay more when crisis strikes. But preparedness counts in a situation like this. Waiting until the day before landfall to go and stock up is just plain idiotic. People need to think and plan ahead. If things cost more when you do it - you probably just waited too damn long to get your supplies.