Gas Pump Monitoring
What is UDAF doing to assure consumers are getting what they pay for at the pump?
The Weights and Measures Program within the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) daily monitors gasoline pump accuracy in the state. In response to Governor Huntsman's call for action, the Weights and Measures program will increase its activities in pump testing and consumer complaint investigations. The UDAF will redirect the duties of several of its employees in order to place 8 gasoline inspectors in the field for an indefinite period of time.
Recent figures compiled by the UDAF show that Utah consumers, on the whole, ARE receiving accurate gasoline measurements at the nearly 1,100 gasoline stations in Utah.
Statewide, gasoline pump accuracy is determined to be approximately 97% accurate.
Utah has 1,135 gasoline stations with 27,923 gas pumps. The number of pumps is increasing at a steady pace.
The Weights and Measures Program (W/M) has received 46 public complaints about accurate measure, octane, and water through June of this year, this is a rate that approximately twice the rate of 2007.
Each of the complaints was investigated. Seven, or 15%, were deemed to be valid. W/M inspectors issue warnings, and conduct follow up visits, to gas stations that are in violation of strict standards. Owners must fix or repair their faulty pumps or face fines up to $5,000 per violation.
The UDAF also tests for octane accuracy, ethanol labeling and the presence of water in fuel tanks. No significant problems have been detected.
The UDAF advises consumers that if they do not see the Weights and Measures sticker on a gasoline pump, (signifying it has been inspected) they may wish to purchase gasoline elsewhere.
The UDAF reports that gasoline pump accuracy, currently, is no worse than during times of lower gasoline prices.
Posted August 14, 2008