1/10/08-Gov. Jon Corzine signed a bill into law Jan. 3 toughening penalties for fuel price gouging. It took effect immediately.
The new law, previously S383, fines fuel station operators $1,500 for increasing the price of fuel more than once in a 24-hour period. Repeat offenders would face a $3,000 fine.
Station operators also could have their fuel license suspended for up to 30 days for a first offense. Subsequent offenses could result in license revocation.
New Jersey law already allows the state to fine gougers $50 to $200 per occurrence. Since 1938, the law also has prohibited the price of fuel from being increased more than once in any 24-hour period.
The increased fines also will apply to stations that fail to publicly display the price of fuel or sell fuel at a different price than what is posted. Failure to display the price of fuel at each pump also is prohibited.
In addition, stations are forbidden from providing rebates, allowances, concessions or benefits either directly or indirectly to allow a person to obtain motor fuel below the posted price.

7/25/07-The Assembly Transportation and Public Works Committee voted unanimously to approve a bill that would toughen penalties for fuel price gouging.
Sen. Nicholas Sacco, D-North Bergen, S383 would fine fuel station operators $1,500 for increasing the price of fuel more than once in a 24-hour period. Repeat offenders would face a $3,000 fine.
Station operators also could have their fuel license suspended for up to 30 days for a first offense. Subsequent offenses could result in license revocation.
Existing New Jersey law allows the state to fine gougers $50 to $200 per occurrence. The law also prohibits the price of fuel from being increased more than once in a 24-hour period.
The increased fines also would apply to stations that fail to publicly display the price of fuel or sell fuel at a different price than what is posted. Failure to display the price of fuel at each pump also would be prohibited.
In addition, stations would be forbidden from providing rebates, allowances, concessions or benefits either directly or indirectly to allow a person to obtain motor fuel below the posted price.
The bill is awaiting consideration on the Assembly floor. The Senate previously approved it.
For bill status, call (609) 292-4840. In New Jersey, call 1-800-792-8630.

Click here to read the 2006 legislative updates for S383.