Connecticut Attorney General William Tong is investigating dozens of potential violations of the state’s gas tax holiday by gas stations throughout the state.
If a specific station is found to have violated the law, the attorney general’s office may impose penalties, including injunctive terms, restitution, and civil financial penalties.
“Any retailer suspected of charging this tax or a portion of this tax will be investigated and subject to penalties under the Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act,” said Attorney General Tong after the new law went into effect. “It’s important to remember that prices at the pump will continue to fluctuate along with changes in wholesale prices. Not every increase, or decrease, in gasoline prices is related to the $.25 tax or constitutes price gouging. Every complaint will be investigated and all facts will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. You can help our investigations by sharing as much detail as possible in your complaints, including receipts if possible. Please include in your complaints the address of the gas station, the date and time of your purchase, and the exact price you paid.”
State officials enacted the measure in an attempt to provide relief to drivers around the state, as they have been subjected to unusually high prices.
In total, the 25-cent tax will be eliminated from the prices at the pump until June 30.
According to AAA, the new law seems to have temporarily eased the pain for most drivers. Weekly averages are down to $4.012 per gallon, compared to $4.308 one week ago.
Democrats have attempted to shift blame from President Joe Biden for the record prices. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) suggested oil companies are hiking the price in order to collect more profits, calling the move “corporate profiteering.”
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Cooper Moran is a reporter for The Connecticut Star and The Star News Network.  Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “William Tong” by William Tong.Â
