WASHINGTON -- Sentiment is growing at the federal level that raising the gas tax by at least five cents a gallon and indexing it to inflation is vital to getting long-delayed projects off the ground. The Obama administration favors reforming transportation funding, and increasing investment in new projects such as high-speed rail, but wants to delay the matter by 18 months. Members of the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee are balking at that delay and demanding a debate now.

PHOENIX, Ariz. -- Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc. said last week that it has signed, through one of its subsidiaries, an agreement to acquire from BP West Coast Products LLC its fuel terminal facilities located in Phoenix, Ariz.

CINCINNATI -- Kroger stores began a holiday gift card offer on "Black Friday," November 27, worth $10 off for every $100 customers purchase in participating gift cards for a two-week period. Shoppers receive $10 off their purchase automatically by using their loyalty card at checkout. The move is meant to help position its supermarkets as "one-stop" destinations.