Connecticut Considers End to Zone Gasoline Pricing
HARTFORD -- A Connecticut legislative committee endorsed a plan to prohibit fuel distributors from charging different amounts to gas stations based on their location, according to a report in the Hartford Courant.
Zone pricing has been criticized for the past several years as unfair to drivers and gas stations. Lawmakers argue it inflates wholesale gas prices in wealthy areas, putting dealers at a disadvantage and hurting consumers, according to the newspaper report.
However, distributors stated zone pricing lets them respond quickly to local competition, because they can immediately cut their prices to match those of nearby stations with lower wholesale prices, the newspaper noted.
The legislature's General Law Committee endorsed the bill banning zone pricing last week. It now requires the full General Assembly's approval.
Zone pricing has been criticized for the past several years as unfair to drivers and gas stations. Lawmakers argue it inflates wholesale gas prices in wealthy areas, putting dealers at a disadvantage and hurting consumers, according to the newspaper report.
However, distributors stated zone pricing lets them respond quickly to local competition, because they can immediately cut their prices to match those of nearby stations with lower wholesale prices, the newspaper noted.
The legislature's General Law Committee endorsed the bill banning zone pricing last week. It now requires the full General Assembly's approval.