State appeals court rules gas markup is legal

MADISON (AP) -- A state appeals court says Wisconsin's minimum gas markup law is constitutional.

The 4th District Court of Appeals ruling affirms Dane County Circuit Judge Maryann Sumi's decision to reject a Merrill gas station owner's claims that the law violates the Wisconsin Constitution's equal protection clause.

Raj Bhandari filed a lawsuit in 2007 arguing the minimum markup law unfairly singles out gasoline retailers for regulation. Sumi ultimately sided with state regulators and dismissed the lawsuit.

The appeals court sided with Sumi, concluding the law serves the Legislature's goal of achieving fair prices. Bhandari's attorney, Robert McNamara, says he hasn't seen the
ruling yet and had no immediate comment.