HUNTSVILLE, AL (WAFF) -
The law that stops Alabama drivers from using retailer discount cards at the gas pump could soon be history.
Senate Bill 315, proposed by Sen. Gerald Dial (R- District 13), would repeal section 8-22-10 of the Code of Alabama 1975, part of the Motor Fuel Marketing Act.
The current law excludes retailers from selling gas below the cost to the wholesaler or the cost to the retailer. It is designed to keep big box stores, like Wal-Mart or Kroger, from shutting down small gas station owners.
If the law were repealed, the stores could reward customers for purchasing things inside their stores by offering discounted gas outside.
The marketing tactic would theoretically increase their in-store sales and the stores would be able to make up for the lost profits on gas. Consumers could also see dramatically lower gas prices.
Other states, like Mississippi, allow the discounted gas programs. Using a customer loyalty card can save drivers up to 25 cents per gallon at the pump. Typically the more you spend inside the store, the more you save on each gallon of fuel.
The bill will be read for the second time in the Senate Thursday.
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