ANNAPOLIS, MD (May 1, 2006)-Maryland Comptroller William Donald Schaefer today announced his ruling in favor of regional grocer Giant Food Stores, LLC, in response to complaints by other area gas stations that the grocer was in violation of the state's below cost sales regulation on gasoline, Article §10-304.1.

"We need to do everything we can to help people survive rising utility rates and gas prices," said Comptroller Schaefer. "I saw an opportunity to help people, so I took it. In my opinion, Giant Food has not violated state law."

Giant Food Stores, LLC, is currently offering customers 10 cents off their per gallon gas prices at Martin's Food Markets, in Hagerstown and Cumberland, Md., for every $100 customers spend on grocery items in their stores. The credit can be redeemed at the pump for a limited time during the promotion by use of a customer "Bonuscard." In a ruling delivered Thursday, April 27, the Comptroller informed Giant that it could continue to operate its promotion in Maryland.

"It's my job to serve the people and enforce state law," added the Comptroller. "That's exactly what we've done here. I commend the creativity of this promotion and the fact that it maintains the integrity of the below cost sales regulation." For more news from the Comptroller's Office, visit www.marylandtaxes.com.

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