The declaration follows a 77.1 percent spike in wholesale gasoline prices in the New Haven area, from $1.76 per gallon on January 2 to $3.12 on March 30, according to monitoring data from the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. Hartford area wholesale prices similarly jumped 73.1 percent to $3.10 per gallon during the same period, triggering statutory thresholds that require state intervention.
Attorney General Tong attributed the price surge to geopolitical instability, stating the "skyrocketing prices right now are not normal" and represent "the direct result of Donald Trump's incompetently-managed war of choice in Iran." Under Connecticut General Statute ยง 42-234, sellers are prohibited from charging unconscionably excessive prices when there is a gross disparity between current prices and those immediately prior to the market disruption, unless attributable to additional costs.
The abnormal market disruption designation allows the Attorney General's office and Department of Consumer Protection to pursue enforcement actions against price gougers, including civil penalties, injunctive relief, restraining orders, and restitution. DCP Commissioner Bryan Cafferelli said his agency "will make note of any abnormal activity" and work with the Attorney General "to take appropriate actions if needed." The Department of Consumer Protection can impose fines up to $10,000 per violation.
State law requires DEEP to monitor wholesale gasoline prices in Hartford and New Haven areas and notify enforcement agencies when prices exceed $3.00 per gallon with daily price changes over 15 percent compared to the previous 90 days. The current wholesale price surge of over 70 percent substantially exceeded these statutory triggers, prompting the formal market disruption declaration.
"Overcharging consumers is unacceptable at any time, but during this abnormal market disruption it is illegal," Tong said. "Connecticut will take strong action against anyone taking advantage of Connecticut consumers during this international crisis." DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes emphasized her agency's coordination with enforcement officials to "ensure they have the information necessary to protect consumers."
The price gouging protections apply to all energy resources including gasoline, electricity, and home heating oil at retail, distributor, and wholesale levels. Officials emphasized that normal price fluctuations remain legal and that each complaint will be investigated on a case-by-case basis. The Attorney General's office advised consumers to include detailed information in complaints, such as gas station addresses, purchase dates and times, exact prices paid, and receipts when available.
Consumers can file price gouging complaints online at www.ct.gov/agcomplaints or contact the Attorney General's consumer inquiry line at 860-808-5318. The abnormal market disruption period extends through May 7, 2026, though officials indicated continued monitoring of wholesale price trends to determine whether additional extensions may be necessary.