59. For the purposes of section 45.1 of the Act respecting petroleum products and equipment (chapter P-29.1),(1) the Régie shall determine annually an amount per litre representing the operating costs borne by a gasoline or diesel fuel retailer; different amounts may be determined according to regions determined by the Régie;
(2) the Régie shall assess the expediency of excluding the amount from or including the amount in the operating costs borne by a retailer; the Régie shall specify the period and the zone to which its decision applies;
(3) the Régie may determine zones.
For the purposes of subparagraph 1 of the first paragraph, the operating costs are the reasonable and necessary costs involved in retailing gasoline or diesel fuel efficiently.
In exercising its powers, the Régie must ensure that the interests of consumers are protected.