Is it really illegal for a gas station to disclose it's gas prices over the phone?

Question

I have never heard of the law that it was illegal for someone at a gas station to give out the current gas price at their station, have I been living under a rock? Is this true or is it an urban myth?

Answer 1

Honestly, I don't know, but it souds like a stupid idea.

Answer 2

Reducing Gas Prices

We can reduce gas prices, and in many cases reduce our expenses in other areas, by reducing the demand for petroleum products. How do we reduce demand? Easy. Reduce consumption. Here are some suggestions on how to do that:

1. Make sure your tires are properly inflated. Improperly inflated tires reduce gas mileage. Most tires should be inflated to 32-35 psi, but look on your tires for specific numbers.

2. Make sure your engine is properly tuned. An out of tune engine wastes gas and money. Have it checked.

3. When you stop at a stop light, stay stopped until the light is green. Don’t try to ease up a little at a time – this not only wastes gas, but wears out your brakes sooner than normal.

4. Accelerate slowly. Rapid acceleration (“jack rabbit starts”) wastes gas.

5. Use synthetic oil whenever you change or have your oil changed. Since it’s synthetic, you are not using a petroleum product therefore you are reducing demand. Most cars actually get better gas mileage with synthetic oil, so it’s a win win.

6. Whenever possible, use alternative fuels such as biodiesel or E85. They not only reduce petroleum consumption, but they are cheaper and better for the environment. Unfortunately, they are not widely available yet in most places, but start asking about them when you buy gas and fuel distributors will begin to get the message; if they think there is a market, they will supply that market.

7. Don’t rush out to buy a new car… but if you are in the market for one anyway, consider buying a more fuel efficient car or even a hybrid car. Hybrid cars are more expensive but you can get a federal tax credit which will offset much of the extra expense and if you do a lot of driving, the money you save on gas will offset the rest.

8. Carpool.

Answer 3

If it is illegal where you live then you know that the legislators are owned lock, stock and barrel by the oil companies. It's more likely to be the gas stations story to keep people from calling. It would definitely be bad economics to reveal the price over the phone since it could be the competition or the oil companies checking up.

Answer 4

Depends on where the station is. Some states/locals have made it illegal. Some don't.

Answer 5

I do not believe this to be true, I think that they are just concerned about competitors under-cutting them.

Here is a good website to input your zip code, and voila...gas prices for your entire area on it.

http://autos.msn.com/everyday/gasstations.aspx?zip=&src=Netx

Answer 6

such a law would violate free speech and 'restraint of trade' laws.