Many governments make price gouging illegal because they believe it harms people in times of crisis.

Price gouging does ensure that the people who 'value' the item the most are able to get it (if they can afford it) and can stop the product running out, and this is why it is often not illegal. Price gouging also creates an incentive for companies to bring resources into disaster zones.

However, it's also true that price gouging will stop some people who cannot afford the new prices, and thus prohibit them from getting access to potentially life-saving materials. Due to this many governments are against it.

Overall, like all economic policy, there are differing opinions on the matter.