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Two New Jersey lawmakers want Costco to start selling gas to everyone, not just members.
State Sens. Richard Codey and Vin Gopal, both Democrats, have introduced near-identical bills that would require retail member clubs in the Garden State to allow anyone to buy gas at their gas pumps, not just paying members, NJ.com reports.
Back in July, Costco ended an 18-year deal that had allowed everyone in New Jersey to buy gas at their relatively low prices since 2004. In June, the company announced that it would end that exception and treat customers in New Jersey the same as it would anywhere else.
“I believe gas is a public good, just like food and energy,” Senator Gopal said. “I don’t think there should be a membership fee to get things generally for the public good.”
COSTCO CFO REVEALS WHETHER HISTORICAL INFLATION WILL RISE THE PRICE OF HOT DOG AND SODA COMBINATION
Vehicles wait to refuel at a Costco gas station in the South of Downtown (SoDo) neighborhood of Seattle, Washington, USA on Wednesday, March 9, 2022. Crude oil rose to its highest level in almost 14 years this week after the US said Britain (Photographer: Chona Kasinger/Bloomberg via Getty Images/Getty Images)
Costco has generally sold gas at cheaper prices than other stations. As gas skyrocketed in recent months, many took advantage of the savings.
Over the summer, state officials said there are no consumer laws that would prohibit Costco’s members-only policy. A spokeswoman for the state Treasury Department said there are no restrictions on gas sales as long as fuel taxes are paid, according to NJ.com.
COSTCO ENDS GAS EXCEPTION FOR DRIVERS IN NEW JERSEY
A customer refuels a vehicle at a Costco gas station in the South of Downtown (SoDo) neighborhood of Seattle, Washington, Wednesday, March 9, 2022. Crude oil rose to its highest level in almost 14 years this week after the US and the UK said the (Photographer: Chona Kasinger/Bloomberg via Getty Images/Getty Images)
A basic Costco membership costs $60 per year and includes access to warehouse gas stations.
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According to AAA, the average for a gallon of gasoline in New Jersey on Sunday is $3,428. The national average is $3,796.
Ronn Blitzer from FOX Business contributed to this report.