Case update: Consumer fraud case against BP headed to trial

Yesterday, Judge LaBarre ruled from the bench on the parties’ motions for summary judgment in our pending consumer fraud against BP. He denied all motions. The case is going to trial.

Background on the case is here, here, and here. It arises out of BP gas sales at ARCO and am-pm mini-markets.

BP charges debit card customers a $.35 debit card fee but does not disclose the charge on its street signs, on its price signs or on its pumps.

Consumers argue that BP’s undisclosed debit card charge violates Oregon rules on gasoline sales.  The consumer fraud claim arises under the Oregon Unlawful Trade Practices Act, ORS 646.608(1)(u).

The Court deferred hearing the class certification motion until August 30, but that motion is fully briefed and ready to go. The Court took up the summary judgment motions. BP argued that it was entitled to summary judgment for a number of reasons, including that it wasn’t required to tell consumers that debit card users would be charged a fee on gas purchases.

A three-hour oral argument put both parties’ positions to the test.

Judge LaBarre announced his decision from the bench, ordered BP to obtain electronic data, and set a schedule for the remainder of the case, including a trial that starts January 13, 2014.

Good progress, to be sure. But far to go.

David Sugerman