LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — In a move that could be emulated by other states, rising gas prices have prompted the Arkansas Department of Agriculture Bureau of Standards to authorize retail fuel outlets to temporarily display and sell fuel in half-gallon increments with proper signage, the agency has announced. The allowance, in effect from March 11 to July 1, applies only to mechanical fuel dispensers.
“Gas prices are, or will soon be, higher than can be displayed by mechanical dispensers,” the state Department of Agriculture said in a notice to retailers. “These mechanical dispensers require conversion kits to display higher fuel prices and obtaining these kits may take several weeks due to supply chain issues.”
All retail outlets that sell fuel in half-gallon increments must display signage on the pump giving notice of the half-gallon pricing. The signage must use capitalized letters a minimum of three inches in height and state: “ALL FUEL PRICES ARE IN CENTS PER HALF (1/2) GALLON. SEE INSIDE ATTENDANT FOR FULL PRICE.”
The Arkansas Oil Marketers Association (AOMA), Little Rock, Ark., also issued the notice in conjunction with the Arkansas Bureau of Standards.
AOMA does not keep specific numbers of mechanical dispensers in the state, but it estimates that 10% or less of the total dispensers are mechanical, Steven Ferren, executive vice president, told CSP Daily News. He said he expects the Arkansas Bureau of Standards to re-evaluate the July 1 end date later.
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