Terry v. Atlantic Richfield Co.

Opinion

FRIEDMAN, Acting P. J.

This is a breach of contract action emanating from the nationwide gasoline shortage of 1973. Defendant Atlantic Richfield Company (ARCO) had agreed to supply all the gasoline “requirements” of plaintiffs, who operated a service station. In May 1973 requests from the federal government impelled ARCO to allocate gasoline supplies among its dealers. Plaintiffs were dissatisfied with their allocation and filed this lawsuit that same month. They sought an injunction plus general and punitive damages. Meanwhile the allocation program was proceeding. Plaintiffs’ motion…