So after the clean up started after Sandy, I entirely expected stories about gouging for gas and basic supplies. But, instead we see lines, fights, and gas stations running out of gas.

Does anyone know if it was east-coast states that passed "price control laws" that prevented prices from rising, or was it just economical illiterate mob-mentality that prevented the price system from working?

I would prefer being "gouged" for the supplies that I need to having to wait in lines and face the potential for fist fights to fill my gas tanks.