Vermont Gas Station Owner Says Prices Competitive

The head of a company targeted by Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders for allegedly overcharging for gasoline says his stations are competitive.

Rodolphe "Skip" Vallee — president of the company that owns the Maplefields gas stations and convenience stores — says he wants a meeting with Sanders to explain his point of view.

Sanders devoted part of a Monday news conference to complaining that the three companies that combined own more than half the gas stations in Chittenden, Grand Isle and Franklin counties are overcharging customers.

Sanders says the stations in northwestern Vermont are charging 20 to 30 cents a gallon more than those elsewhere in Vermont.

He announced a new website designed to help Vermont consumers track gasoline prices.  Sanders said he also plans to urge state lawmakers to hold hearings and draft legislation on gas prices.

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