Connecticut: Gasoline Price Gouging Prohibition Set for 2026

• Connecticut's Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection has informed the Attorney General of an abnormal market disruption concerning wholesale gasoline prices.
• This notification triggers Conn. Gen. Stat. § 42-234, a state law prohibiting price gouging for energy resources.
• Sellers of motor gasoline or gasohol are forbidden from charging unconscionably excessive prices during the specified period.
• The prohibition on excessive pricing will be active from September 3, 2026, through October 3, 2026.

Under the provisions of Conn. Gen. Stat. § 42-234, retailers of motor gasoline and gasohol are explicitly forbidden from selling or offering to sell these energy resources at prices deemed unconscionably excessive during this designated period.

Connecticut's Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection has formally notified the Attorney General regarding an abnormal market disruption concerning the wholesale price of motor gasoline or gasohol. This official communication signals a proactive stance by state regulators to address potential volatility in the fuel market.

The notification from the Commissioner underscores a recognition of forthcoming conditions that could impact the cost of essential energy resources. Such a declaration of an abnormal market disruption serves as a critical precursor, enabling the state's chief legal officer to invoke specific statutory powers aimed at protecting consumers from potential exploitation. The focus is specifically on the wholesale pricing dynamics of motor gasoline and gasohol, which are fundamental to the state's transportation and economic sectors.

Following the Commissioner's notice, a specific provision of Connecticut state law, Conn. Gen. Stat. § 42-234, has been activated. This statute establishes a clear prohibition against price gouging during periods of market instability, ensuring that consumers are not subjected to unfair pricing practices for vital energy supplies. The law explicitly mandates that no seller of motor gasoline or gasohol shall sell, or even offer to sell, these energy resources at a price deemed unconscionably excessive.

This legal safeguard is not immediate but is set to take effect for a defined future period. The prohibition on charging unconscionably excessive prices for motor gasoline or gasohol will be enforced between September 3, 2026, and October 3, 2026. This precise timeframe highlights a forward-looking regulatory approach, allowing both consumers and sellers to be aware of the impending protective measures well in advance of the anticipated market disruption.

The activation of Conn. Gen. Stat. § 42-234 carries significant implications for both fuel retailers and consumers across Connecticut. For sellers of motor gasoline and gasohol, the upcoming period from September 3 to October 3, 2026, will require strict adherence to fair pricing standards, with the Attorney General empowered to take action against any violations of the price gouging prohibition. This measure aims to prevent opportunistic pricing during a time when market conditions are expected to be unstable.

For residents and businesses relying on these energy resources, the state's action provides a crucial layer of protection against sudden and unwarranted price spikes. The Attorney General's office, having received the formal notice of an abnormal market disruption, is now positioned to monitor the market and enforce the statutory limits on pricing. This regulatory oversight is designed to maintain market integrity and ensure that essential fuel remains accessible at reasonable costs, even in the face of wholesale price volatility.

Source: Information from the Connecticut Attorney General's Office