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Bill

HD 1213

An Act establishing fuel price transparency

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Steven Howitt

Massachusetts fuel retailers must disclose real-time prices to a state database, helping consumers compare prices and regulators detect market manipulation or price gouging.

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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HD 1213

Legislative bill overview

HD 1213 would require fuel retailers in Massachusetts to publicly disclose their fuel pricing data in real-time or near-real-time to a state database. The bill aims to increase market transparency by allowing consumers and regulators to monitor price fluctuations across different stations and regions throughout the state.

Why is this important

Fuel price transparency can help consumers make informed purchasing decisions and identify price gouging or unusual regional disparities. It also provides state regulators with data to investigate potential anti-competitive practices and market manipulation in the fuel industry.

Potential points of contention

  • Compliance burden: Fuel retailers argue that mandatory price reporting creates administrative costs and IT infrastructure requirements, potentially affecting smaller operators disproportionately
  • Competitive concerns: Some industry representatives claim that real-time price visibility could actually facilitate price-fixing by allowing competitors to coordinate pricing more easily
  • Privacy and business data: Retailers may resist disclosing detailed pricing information as competitively sensitive business information
  • Implementation details: The bill's specificity regarding reporting frequency, data format, and enforcement mechanisms would significantly affect feasibility and effectiveness

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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