LINCOLNTON, N.C. -- About 1,200 North Carolina consumers had filed price-gouging complaints by early Saturday afternoon because of skyrocketing gasoline prices.

“It’s a number that keeps growing by the minute,” said a spokesperson with Attorney General Roy Cooper’s office.

Even before Hurricane Ike hit the Gulf Coast, several gas stations across the Carolinas were selling a gallon of regular unleaded for more than $4.

“I don't understand why some (prices) are so high and some are lower," said Kathy Conner after fueling up in Lincolnton.

Conner paid $3.63 per gallon of regular unleaded.  Across the street, another gas station was charging $3.99 per gallon.  In Indian Trail, NewsChannel 36 found a gas station selling regular unleaded at $5.39 per gallon.

"I think it's a crock," said Paul Etheridge.  "I’d categorize it as criminal.  Maybe our government should step up and do something."

In North Carolina, Cooper’s office will review a gas station's average fuel price dating back 60 days.  If the price being charged now is above that average, that gas station could face prosecution.