At least, as Dan noted below, that’s the verdict of state regulators, who recently threatened to sue a BP station owner unless he discontinues giving a 2 cent per gallon discount to senior citizens and a 3 cent per gallon discount to boosters of local youth sports programs.

According to Wisconsin regulators, the discounts represent “unfair competition” against other gas stations, and that — get this — imperils consumers. A 1939 Badger State law requires retailers to sell motor fuels at no less than a 9.2 percent markup over the wholesale price.

Wisconsin is not the only state with such a law — a dozen others (Alabama, Colorado, Florida, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Jersey, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Utah) have similar provisions to protect gas station owners from the horrors of price competition.

You would think that, amidst the Sturm and Drang of the past few years’ high fuel prices, the public would force lawmakers to throw out this welfare for gas station owners. Alas, no.

Hat tip: Tim Rowland