Connecticut AG: Gasoline Price Gouging Prohibited Sept-Oct 2026

• Connecticut's Attorney General William Tong is currently serving his second term and is seeking re-election in 2026.
• Connecticut's Attorney General has been notified of an abnormal market disruption affecting wholesale gasoline and gasohol prices.
• A temporary prohibition on selling motor gasoline or gasohol at an unconscionably excessive price will be in effect from September 3, 2026, to October 3, 2026.
• This measure is mandated by Conn. Gen. Stat. § 42-234, which is still in force, and triggered by the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection's notice.
• All sellers of these fuels in Connecticut must comply with the pricing restrictions to avoid potential enforcement actions by the Attorney General.
• The directive aims to protect consumers from price gouging during the specified period of market instability.

For all retailers of motor gasoline and gasohol across Connecticut, the period between September 3, 2026, and October 3, 2026, represents a crucial compliance window.

The Connecticut Attorney General's office has been notified of an abnormal market disruption impacting the wholesale price of motor gasoline and gasohol, prompting a temporary prohibition on unconscionably excessive pricing. This action follows a formal notice from the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) to the Attorney General, signaling a significant fluctuation in fuel costs.

Effective between September 3, 2026, and October 3, 2026, this measure means that sellers of motor gasoline or gasohol are legally barred from offering or selling these energy resources at prices deemed unconscionably excessive. The intervention underscores the state's commitment to Connecticut consumer protection gasoline policies during periods of market volatility.

This temporary pricing restriction is enacted pursuant to Conn. Gen. Stat. § 42-234, a statute designed to protect consumers during abnormal market conditions. The law empowers state authorities to act when disruptions, such as the current one affecting wholesale fuel prices, threaten fair market practices. The statute specifically prohibits the sale or offer of sale of energy resources at an "unconscionably excessive price" once such a market disruption has been officially declared and communicated to the Attorney General.

The precise timeframe for this prohibition, from September 3, 2026, to October 3, 2026, is critical for all entities involved in the sale of motor gasoline and gasohol within Connecticut. This legal framework ensures that the state can swiftly address potential price gouging, safeguarding residents from undue financial burden during periods of Connecticut motor gasoline price disruption.

For all retailers of motor gasoline and gasohol across Connecticut, the period between September 3, 2026, and October 3, 2026, represents a crucial compliance window. Legal counsel advising these businesses must ensure their clients are fully aware of the temporary prohibition on unconscionably excessive pricing under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 42-234. Adherence to these regulations is paramount to avoid potential enforcement actions by the CT AG, which could arise from any instances of Connecticut AG gasoline price gouging 2026.

This directive highlights the importance of vigilant pricing strategies for fuel sellers during the specified dates. The focus is on preventing any form of Connecticut gasohol price gouging, ensuring that pricing remains fair despite the abnormal market conditions affecting wholesale costs. Businesses are urged to review their pricing mechanisms to align with state requirements and uphold consumer trust.

The information regarding this upcoming price restriction was conveyed through a message from Attorney General William Tong, titled "2025 A Year in Review." This communication serves as the official notification to the public and businesses about the impending regulatory period. The Attorney General's office acts on the formal notice received from the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection, which specifically identified an abnormal market disruption concerning the wholesale price of motor gasoline or gasohol.

This sequence of events underscores the coordinated effort between state agencies to monitor market conditions and implement protective measures when necessary. The declaration of a Connecticut motor gasoline price disruption triggers the Attorney General's authority to enforce the statutory provisions against unconscionably excessive pricing, ensuring market stability and consumer protection.

Lawyers advising gasoline or gasohol retailers in Connecticut must alert clients to the temporary prohibition on unconscionably excessive pricing between August 31 and October 1, 2026, under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 42-234, to ensure compliance and avoid potential enforcement actions.

Source: Original reporting via Attorney General William Tong's office