Zhoukou: It is strictly prohibited to raise prices arbitrarily due to disaster situations or to falsely report malfunctions. Towing and rescue agencies must display clear pricing.

The Zhoukou City Transportation Bureau issued a notice titled "Notice on Strictly Regulating Price Gouging by Vehicle Rescue and Maintenance Enterprises During Flood Disaster" stating that Zhoukou City has recently faced severe flooding, with some areas experiencing significant water accumulation and a large number of vehicles submerged. Reports from the public have indicated that some towing and vehicle maintenance companies are taking advantage of the disaster to inflate prices, setting arbitrary charges on the spot and not adhering to clearly marked pricing. They are quoting excessively high prices for maintenance services, seriously infringing on the legitimate rights and interests of the affected citizens and causing a negative social impact. The notice clearly states that all towing and rescue organizations must strictly implement a transparent pricing system, proactively inform vehicle owners of the service charges, billing standards, and estimated total costs before starting work, and may only proceed with operations after receiving confirmation from the vehicle owner. It is strictly prohibited to raise prices arbitrarily due to the disaster, impose temporary surcharges on site, or charge additional fees under various pretenses. Maintenance enterprises taking on repairs of water-damaged vehicles must accurately assess the vehicle condition, inform vehicle owners of the repair plan, parts list, and estimated repair costs in advance, and any increase in maintenance items must be agreed upon by the vehicle owner. Falsely reporting faults, providing substandard parts as replacements, misrepresenting maintenance items, and inflating repair prices are strictly prohibited.