State officials say they're investigating roughly 170 complaints of gas price gouging in the wake of Hurricane Ike.

Some southwestern Connecticut gas stations raised prices by nearly 30 cents a gallon over the weekend, while others have increased costs by only 5 cents.

Mike Fox, of the Gasoline and Automotive Service Dealers of America, says in Connecticut there is no legal definition of "price gouging." However, he says many retailers have needed to raise their prices to combat oil company increases of as much as 50 cents per gallon.

Customers, meanwhile, are responding to the spikes with either outrage or resentful acceptance.

Gov. Jodi Rell said in a statement Monday that "violators will be vigorously prosecuted."

People with gas gouging complaints can call the state's hotline at 800-842-2649.