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ST. PAUL, Minn. -- The Minnesota Department of Commerce plans to fine a gas station chain for repeatedly selling gas below the state's legal minimum price.
The agency said it's fining Midwest Oil $140,000 for breaking a state formula based on wholesale prices, fees and taxes to determine a daily floor for gas prices.
Minnesota's price law was intended to prevent large oil companies from driving smaller competitors out of business -- but some critics argue it fails to protect consumers.
The Commerce Department says Midwest-owned stations in Anoka, Minn., Oakdale, Minn., and Albert Lea, Minn., sold gas below the minimum price on 293 days in 2005.
The agency said it's fining Midwest Oil $140,000 for breaking a state formula based on wholesale prices, fees and taxes to determine a daily floor for gas prices.
Minnesota's price law was intended to prevent large oil companies from driving smaller competitors out of business -- but some critics argue it fails to protect consumers.
The Commerce Department says Midwest-owned stations in Anoka, Minn., Oakdale, Minn., and Albert Lea, Minn., sold gas below the minimum price on 293 days in 2005.
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