With fuel prices setting new records week by week, many merchants are passing on their increased costs to consumers via surcharges. The problem, Pennsylvania Attorney General Tom Corbett says, comes when they do not include those surcharges in their advertised prices.

"The total price of a product or service is a key factor in any purchase, and is something that needs to be disclosed to consumers upfront," Mr. Corbett said. "Any business intending to collect an added fee for fuel or energy must disclose those charges when they advertise their prices."

Mr. Corbett's office said reports had surfaced across the country about energy surcharges or other related fees being added to bills on "everything from pest control services and floral deliveries to vacation packages and cruises."

The average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gas in the Pittsburgh area yesterday was $3.934, according to AAA East Central. Diesel fuel, however, was at $4.962 a gallon.

The Attorney General's office has issued a consumer advisory warning consumers to be watchful for undisclosed fuel or energy surcharges being added on to their purchases.

Mr. Corbett urged consumers to dispute any added charges that were not disclosed in the quoted or advertised price.

Consumers with questions or problems should contact the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-441-2555, or file an online consumer complaint at www.attorneygeneral.gov.