Rhode Island § 5-55-5 - Motor Fuel Distribution and Sales
Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 5-55-5 — Motor Fuel Distribution and Sales, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 5-55-5. Motor Fuel Distribution and Sales
R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-55-5
§ 5-55-5. Unfair practices.
(a) It is unlawful for any refiner, distributor, producer, or transporter of petroleum products engaged in business in this state, either directly or indirectly, to discriminate in price between purchasers of petroleum products of similar grade and quality.
(b) Nothing in this section shall prevent differentials that only make allowance for differences in the cost of manufacture, marketing, transportation, sale, or delivery resulting from the different methods or quantities in which the commodities are sold and delivered to the purchasers.
(c) Nothing in this section shall prevent persons engaged in selling goods, wares, or merchandise in commerce from selecting their own customers in bona fide transactions and not in restraint of trade.
(d) It is unlawful for any wholesaler or reseller of petroleum products to sell at retail level for less than four cents (4¢) below his or her wholesale price to wholesale accounts who resell at retail in the same market area.
(e) Nothing in this section applies to the purchase of petroleum products for their own use by state and local agencies.
(f) The provisions of this section only apply to producers, refiners, or wholesalers whose total production, gasoline refining capacity, or sales volume at the wholesale level is fifteen thousand gallons (15,000 gals.) a day or more.
History of Section.
P.L. 1976, ch. 324, § 1.
Source: official Rhode Island text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 5-55-5
What does Rhode Island General Laws § 5-55-5 cover?
Section 5-55-5 ("Motor Fuel Distribution and Sales") is part of the Rhode Island General Laws, the codified statutory law of Rhode Island. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Rhode Island § 5-55-5?
A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 5-55-5" (Rhode Island). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Rhode Island law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Rhode Island official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Rhode Island attorney.
How does Rhode Island § 5-55-5 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Rhode Island can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Rhode Island.