NEWARK — Sunoco, Inc. has voluntarily settled a lawsuit filed in September 2005 by the Attorney General’s Office, with a portion of the settlement proceeds funding an energy assistance program for low-income residents, Attorney General Zulima V. Farber and Consumer Affairs Director Kimberly Ricketts announced today.

"We are committed to protecting the interests of New Jersey consumers, and that means making sure that businesses operating in the state adhere to our laws and treat our consumers fairly," said Attorney General Farber. "This settlement shows that Sunoco is willing to meet those obligations."

The Attorney General’s office filed suit in September 2005 against Sunoco, Amerada Hess, Motiva Shell, and various independent gas station operators for alleged violations of the State Motor Fuels Act and Consumer Fraud Act.

In settling the lawsuit, Sunoco agreed to adhere to state law regarding the pricing of gasoline and the maintenance and availability of business records. Both sides agreed to settle the matter without any admission of any violation having occurred.

Sunoco has agreed to make a settlement payment of $325,000. These funds will be used to reimburse state and county investigative and legal costs. A portion of the funds will also be used to fund future consumer protection initiatives at the Division of Consumer Affairs, with $50,000 going to the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) administered through the Department of Community Affairs, which addresses the home heating needs of low-income families in New Jersey.

"This settlement is a good example of how New Jersey can work hand in hand with businesses that operate in our state to achieve a productive outcome for our consumers," said Kimberly Ricketts, Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs.

Assistant Attorney General Michael A. Shipp and Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey Koziar represented the State in the settlement with Sunoco, Inc.

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