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Attorney General, Secretary of Ag issue stern warning to fuel fuel station operatorsKansas Attorney General Steve Six and Secretary of Agriculture Adrian Polansky issued a stern warning July 1 to fuel station operators who are considering cheating their customers by switching fuels or shorting them at the pump. They made the announcement while visiting a Topeka gas station that has a good compliance history. "During this challenging time of high and rising gas prices, Kansas consumers should get what they pay for," Six said. "While most fuel stations follow the rules, we will be on the lookout for those who deceive the public by switching regular unleaded gasoline for a higher grade, improperly blending fuels, or that try to short them at the pump." Polansky said his agency already investigates every complaint they receive, but they are prepared to increase fuel testing if need be. Six said he is prepared to help investigate and prosecute fuel station owners who misrepresent fuel products or short consumers on fuel purchases. Even though no serious problems with fuel quality or consumer deception have been identified, Six and Polansky are stepping up the state's oversight and testing of fuel stations. "It is important that we monitor the situation closely to maintain consumer confidence and protect fuel station owners who follow the rules," Six said. Six and Polansky also explained how consumers can file a complaint and what information they should gather at the pump. Consumers can file complaints with the Department of Agriculture if they believe a station is acting improperly or switching a lower grade fuel for a higher one. All they need to do is call the weights and measures program at 785-862-2415 to register their concerns. The Kansas Department of Agriculture's weights and measures program tests the state's roughly 26,000 gas pumps at least once every 18 months for dispensing accuracy. A device may be checked more frequently if its accuracy is questioned, a consumer complaint is filed or if there is a history of noncompliance. In 2006 and 2007, the compliance rate for fuel pump accuracy in Kansas was 96 percent. "Most station owners strive to maintain accurate pumps to comply with state law and to cultivate consumer trust," Polansky said. "Given the high price of fuel and the current economic climate, we want to provide consumers added assurance that we are prepared to thoroughly investigate any fuel quality concerns or allegations of inaccurate fuel dispensing." In addition to testing accuracy, inspectors collect fuel samples to send to an independent lab to check fuel quality and purity. That analysis confirms the fuel meets the octane rating listed on the pump and ensures that additives like ethanol are at levels that conform to EPA-established standards. If a consumer has a complaint of price gouging at a fuel station, they should file a complaint directly with the Attorney General's Office by calling 800-432-2310 or online at: www.ksag.org. 7/14/08 Date: 7/10/08
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