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• Connecticut's Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection has notified the Attorney General of an abnormal market disruption.
• The disruption specifically concerns the wholesale price of motor gasoline or gasohol.
• This notification activates Conn. Gen. Stat. § 42-234, which prohibits selling energy resources at an unconscionably excessive price.
• The prohibition on excessive pricing will be in effect from August 27, 2026, to September 27, 2026.

Under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 42-234, any seller of motor gasoline or gasohol is expressly prohibited from selling or offering to sell these energy resources at what is deemed an "unconscionably excessive price."

Connecticut's Attorney General has received a formal notification from the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection concerning a significant market anomaly. This official communication highlights an abnormal disruption specifically impacting the wholesale pricing of motor gasoline and gasohol within the state. The notice serves as a critical alert regarding potential instability in the energy market.

This proactive measure by the Commissioner underscores a vigilant approach to monitoring economic conditions that could affect consumers. The identified market disruption pertains directly to the foundational costs of fuel, suggesting a potential ripple effect on retail prices. Such a notification is a procedural step designed to trigger specific legal protections in response to unusual market forces.

The notification issued by the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection directly invokes the provisions of Conn. Gen. Stat. § 42-234. This particular statute empowers the state to intervene during periods of market volatility to safeguard consumer interests. Its activation means that specific restrictions on pricing practices will come into effect.

Under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 42-234, any seller of motor gasoline or gasohol is expressly prohibited from selling or offering to sell these energy resources at what is deemed an "unconscionably excessive price." This legal mandate is not indefinite; it is set to be enforced for a defined period, commencing on August 27, 2026, and concluding on September 27, 2026. The statute aims to prevent exploitative pricing during times when market conditions might otherwise allow for it.

This regulatory action is significant because it establishes a clear framework for protecting consumers from potential price gouging during periods of market instability. By pre-emptively setting a prohibition on excessive pricing, Connecticut aims to ensure that essential energy resources remain accessible and affordable, even when wholesale costs are subject to abnormal fluctuations. The defined timeframe for this prohibition also provides clarity for both consumers and sellers.

The decision to implement these protections well in advance of the specified dates, August 27, 2026, through September 27, 2026, highlights a forward-looking strategy by state officials. It demonstrates a commitment to anticipating and mitigating the adverse effects of market disruptions on the public. This measure is crucial for maintaining economic stability and public trust in the state's oversight of critical commodities like fuel.

Source: Original reporting based on Connecticut state communications.