GARDINER, Maine (AP) — The deadline is drawing closer for Maine fuel dealers who offer pre-paid contracts to register with the state.

Financial regulation Commissioner Anne Head said Wednesday the deadline is June 30. A new consumer protection law requires dealers to register with the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation.

The new law responds to several recent cases of dealers taking money from Maine consumers, but then failing to supply the fuel, leaving the consumers without oil and unable to recover their money. The new law requires greater accountability by oil dealers.

It requires a fuel dealer who offers prepaid contracts for home heating oil, kerosene or liquefied petroleum gas to Maine residents to register the dealer’s intent to offer such contracts with the department.