SOUTH PLAINFIELD, N.J. -- Lukoil North America is defending its pricing practices in response to a protest in New Jersey and Pennsylvania by more than 50 independent dealers.
The dealers increased prices to more than $9 a gallon Wednesday to raise consumer awareness about what they say are Lukoil's unfair wholesale prices. They say they've been put at a competitive disadvantage.
Lukoil says the complaints appear directed at "zone pricing," or varying prices charged to dealers based on what is happening in local marketplaces. The company says it's a "commercially reasonable" practice in compliance with state law.
Lukoil accuses the New Jersey gas station association of encouraging "public misstatements and ill-conceived actions" that harm consumers.
KATIE ZEZIMA
Associated Press
The Associated Press