Many Oklahoma retail prices were frozen Wednesday when the state's price gouging law went into effect, but some costs — including gasoline — likely will continue to increase.

Gov. Mary Fallin on Wednesday declared a statewide emergency to help state, county and local governments more quickly respond to aid requests for damage from Hurricane Harvey in Texas and Louisiana.

The emergency declaration automatically triggered the state's Emergency Price Stabilization Act, which prohibits an increase of more than 10 percent for the price of goods and services and allows the attorney general to pursue charges against individuals or businesses who engage in price gouging.

“Our Gulf Coast neighbors need our help right now,” Attorney General Mike Hunter said in a statement. “This statute will send a clear message to those who are trying to take advantage of others that they will be prosecuted for engaging in price gouging.”