[posixplz]

It’s also illegal to take “almost free” gasoline at a pump that’s erroneously listed $0.02/gal. While one would pay the unrealistically low price listed on the pump, one knows — or rather, a reasonable person would know — that it’s an error. Benefitting from a such a pricing error is illegal and technically theft. One is legally required to pay the fair market value for obtained goods, or return the goods that were received in such circumstances.

[kyleperik]

So what exactly constitutes an error then? Are then people legally held responsible if gas prices were accidentally set a few pennies below the typical market value? How can someone prove an error like this? Otherwise you could go around selling products at an "accidentally" low price, but then demanding compensation.

[speedplane]

> So what exactly constitutes an error then?

It's standard contract law. Every time you purchase anything, you're making a legally binding contract, even buying a sandwich at a shop. Under centuries old contract law, there must be a "meeting of the minds", both parties must understand what they're getting into. If one person makes a obvious mistake (e.g., pricing gas at $0.02/gallon), there is clearly no meeting of the minds, the contract is void, and the seller can ask the buyer for their money back.

[masonic]

In what country / jurisdiction are you claiming this is the case?