N.J. Retailers Advocate Gas Promotions Bill

JON SPRINGER

TRENTON, N.J. — The New Jersey Food Council, a trade association representing food retailers here, is supporting legislation that would allow retailers in New Jersey to cross-promote food and fuel offerings.

The group blamed “outdated motor fuel statutes” for outlawing such programs in New Jersey, while retailers in other states are offering up to 50 cents off a gallon with points accrued from supermarket loyalty cards.

The group in a statement Monday said a bill in the state assembly would allow credits to be earned through debit and shopper loyalty cards that can be used for fuel purchases, and allows promotions, coupons and benefits to be awarded with the purchase of motor fuel. The council argued that the bill would not remove a prohibition of below-cost fuel sales.

“Right now, consumers in Pennsylvania, New York, Delaware, Maryland and almost every other state benefit from the ability of retailers to cross-promote fuel purchases and see a savings at the pump or checkout,” Linda M. Doherty, president of the New Jersey Food Council, said in a statement supporting the legislation. “This prohibition on fuel promotions is unfair to New Jersey residents and businesses.”