Could Maine Soon Limit How Much Gasoline You Can Buy?

Knock on wood, but with gas prices finally finding some semblance of stability, Maine wouldn’t be the only state with fuel restrictions.

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Maine might soon limit how much gasoline folks can buy, following the lead of other states.

At the moment, our Pine Tree State doesn’t limit how much gasoline the consumer can purchase at one time; however, there are laws in place for those selling the gasoline.

Listed in 'Title 10: COMMERCE AND TRADE, Part 4: TRADEMARKS AND NAMES, Chapter 307: OILS,' subsection §1661-B. 'Requirement for gasoline stations to post prices of fuels sold,' Maine requires gas stations to clearly display the prices of fuels on each pump.

The price must be visible either on a sign of at least 64 square inches or on a digital or analog display built into the pump. If the price on the pump differs from the price on a roadside sign, or if there is no roadside sign, the pump must have a 64-square-inch sign. Enforcement is carried out by the Commissioner of Maine's Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry.

Additionally, in 'Title 10: COMMERCE AND TRADE,’ ‘Part 3: REGULATION OF TRADE,’ ‘Chapter 201: MONOPOLIES AND PROFITEERING,' subsection §1109. 'Acquisition of gasoline and heating oil assets,' Maine regulates the acquisition of businesses that sell gasoline and heating oil.

The law prohibits anyone from buying a controlling stake or significant assets of such businesses without giving Maine’s Attorney General advance notice. The buyer must inform the Attorney General's office at least 30 days before the acquisition, and the information shared is kept confidential.

However, some states, including New York, have multiple laws regulating how much gas can be stored and traveled with.

According to the New York Department of Transportation, fuel transportation must use portable fuel cans with a 5-gallon maximum capacity or cargo fuel tanks, all properly labeled. Gasoline can only be transported in approved 5-gallon portable gas cans, with a limit of 4 cans per vehicle.

Additionally, the Environmental Protection Agency discourages storing more than 1 to 5 gallons, and the National Fire Protection Association suggests a 25-gallon limit.

All of this being said, individual gas stations may have their own policies regarding purchase limits.