TOPEKA ? Atty. Gen. Phill Kline today said his office will aggressively investigate any allegations of gasoline price gouging or charity scams in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.

“My office does not tolerate price gouging of any necessary commodity at any time, especially during time of national tragedy,” Kline said.

Consumers who believe they have been the victim of price gouging or improper charity solicitations are urged to call Kline’s Consumer Protection and Antitrust Division at 1-800-432-2310.

Gas prices have soared in recent days, in part because of decreased refinery operations due to Katrina. But officials said that didn’t mean prices should skyrocket.

“This is unlike anything we have ever seen,” Marvin Spees, President of Capital City Oil in Topeka.

“While the overwhelming majority of wholesale and retail distributors of fuel in our state would never take advantage of a situation like this, those who would need to be reminded that they will be caught and will face severe consequences,” Spees said.

Kline, who has been meeting with gas sellers this week, also asked Kansans to not blame gas station attendants and store clerks for the gas price increases.

“They’re merely the messengers who have to live with higher gas prices, too,” he said

Meanwhile, Gov. Kathleen Sebelius has designated Sunday as a day of prayer for victims of Hurricane Katrina.

“The people of Kansas mourn the loss of thousands of their fellow Americans in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama as a result of Hurricane Katrina,” Sebelius said.