|
FRANKFORT, Ky. — Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer said today that emergency regulations signed by Governor Ernie Fletcher should ease gasoline supply concerns but reminded retailers that choose to sell fuel by the half-gallon that they must clearly and prominently post their prices so consumers will understand what they are paying.
“The Kentucky Department of Agriculture is required by law to test gas pumps for accuracy and make sure they display the total purchase price,” Commissioner Farmer said. “Our inspectors will work to ensure that businesses that sell by the half-gallon follow the regulation and give their customers an accurate price.”
The emergency regulations signed by Governor Fletcher on Friday allow businesses to sell motor fuel by the half-gallon. Some businesses have older pumps that are not capable of reflecting a per-gallon price of more than $2.999.
“Since gas prices went up earlier this week, some businesses simply stopped selling gas rather than sell at a loss,” Commissioner Farmer said. “This emergency regulation will provide them some temporary relief while they upgrade their pumps to calculate higher per-unit prices. This is especially important to rural and isolated areas of Kentucky where consumers have few choices of businesses where they can buy fuel.”
As fuel prices have escalated in recent days, the Department has accelerated its inspections of motor fuel pumps for accuracy of delivery and pricing. Department inspectors are watching for indications of price gouging and are reporting possible cases to the Kentucky attorney general’s office.
To report a business that may be unclearly or inaccurately displaying its fuel prices, call the KDA at (502) 573-0282 and leave a voice mail message.
To make a complaint of price gouging, contact the attorney general’s office by e-mail at gaspricecomplaints@ag.ky.gov.
-30-
|
