NY price gouging law: http://codes.lp.findlaw.com/nycode/GBS/26/396-r http://codes.lp.findlaw.com/nycode/GBS/26/396-r In general most of the commenters here a

NY price gouging law: http://codes.lp.findlaw.com/nycode/GBS/26/396-r http://codes.lp.findlaw.com/nycode/GBS/26/396-r In general most of the commenters here are not understanding that supply of these goods is constrained. Currently X amount of bottled water is reaching the city, and 100% of it will be sold, at any price. Currently X amount of cars for hire can transport people over the bridges, and no more can fit - the bridges have a fixed capacity. Commenters are thus making false economic arguments because they don't understand the economics, don't understand the situation, or both. Quintupling the price of bottled water and baby formula does not magically make more bottled water or baby formula appear in the city. It just takes a lot of money out of your pocket and puts it in someone else's. That's all, the only effect.