The prohibition, which runs from April 7 through May 7, 2026, was triggered under Connecticut General Statute § 42-234 after the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection provided formal notice to the Attorney General of abnormal conditions affecting wholesale motor gasoline and gasohol prices. The statute automatically activates consumer protections against price gouging during declared market disruptions.
Connecticut's price gouging statute is designed to protect consumers during emergencies and market disruptions when retailers might exploit supply shortages or panic buying to inflate prices beyond reasonable levels. The law prohibits sellers from charging unconscionably excessive prices for essential goods like gasoline during designated periods of market instability.
Under the statute, sellers who violate the price gouging prohibition during the specified period could face civil penalties and enforcement actions. The Attorney General's office typically investigates consumer complaints about excessive pricing during such declared market disruptions and can pursue legal action against retailers found to be in violation.
This latest market disruption notice comes as Connecticut continues to monitor fuel price volatility and supply chain issues affecting gasoline markets nationwide. The state has previously invoked similar protections during hurricanes, severe weather events, and other emergencies that have disrupted normal fuel distribution and pricing patterns.
The announcement follows a March 31 press conference where Attorney General Tong, Department of Consumer Protection Commissioner Bryan Cafferelli, and Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Commissioner Katie Dykes jointly announced the abnormal market disruption designation for gasoline prices.
Connecticut consumers who believe they have encountered price gouging during the protected period are encouraged to file complaints with the Attorney General's office. The prohibition remains in effect through May 7, 2026, unless the market disruption is resolved earlier or extended based on ongoing conditions.