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When Triangle drivers fill up their vehicles, they expect that they’re getting the fuel they’re paying for. But that may not always be the case.
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Between March and early May, inspectors with the Standards Division of the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services found problems with pumps at more than a dozen gas stations across Wake, Durham, Orange and Chatham counties, according to data obtained by The News & Observer.
Along with visiting stores across the state to make sure advertised prices are what customers pay, inspectors are responsible for verifying that gas pumps are functioning properly.
That means displays showing gallons and prices should be readable. Hoses should not be damaged or leaking. When nozzles shut off, they shouldn’t leak. And when fuel stops flowing, the meter should stop climbing.
Inspectors try to check every meter in the state at least once a year, said Chad Parker, measurement manager of the Standards Division. And some problems with Triangle pumps were recently discovered in routine inspections.
Other problems, though, were found while inspectors investigated consumer complaints.
Complaints tend to increase when gas prices go up, Parker said. Most complaints don’t reveal any problems, but some do.
“Everybody thinks that they’re getting robbed just because the price is higher,” Parker said.
The division follows up on every complaint, aiming to send an inspector to check it out within 24 hours of receiving a complaint.
Inspectors have checked hundreds of pumps at Triangle gas stations since March, with most inspections not revealing any issues.
Some meters were found to have issues such as “abnormal performance,” but inspectors did not “tag” them, which means they are taken out of service.
“‘Tagged’ is something that we deem is harmful to the customer,” Parker said.
The tagged pumps are different from “rejected” pumps. Customers can still use rejected pumps, but the inspectors have found something that needs attention. Maybe a display is hard to read, but still readable. Maybe a hose is damaged and needs to be replaced.
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Here are the pumps that were “tagged” by inspectors:
Gas stations can’t use a tagged pump until a licensed technician puts it back in service. An inspector revisits the pump after it’s repaired.
The N&O confirmed that the pump at Pittsboro Food Mart is in service but could not immediately reach the other stations.
Inspectors found several pumps already out of order during routine and follow-up inspections after a complaint. Those tagged pumps were at:
The N&O confirmed that pumps at BJ’s, Circle K in Apex, Murphy Express and Sheetz are now working, but could not immediately reach the other stations.
During the routine inspection, inspectors look at every meter in a pump. Pumps may have multiple meters, depending on how many grades of fuel a pump has.
One of the tests inspectors complete ensures that meters are calibrated accurately, so customers are getting the fuel they’re paying for.
Inspectors pump 5 gallons of fuel into a metal can called a prover, which measures the amount of fuel. If an error is within 6 cubic inches over or under the 5 gallons, the error is tolerated.
If the error is more than 6 cubic inches under 5 gallons, the inspector “tags” the meter, removing it from service, so consumers aren’t harmed by paying for more fuel than they’re dispensing.
If the error is more than 6 cubic inches over 5 gallons, the station is informed and can recalibrate the meter, or leave it as is, which amounts to giving away fuel.
Drivers can submit a complaint about problems with fuel dispensers online at ncagr.gov, or by calling 984-236-4770 or emailing Chad Parker at [email protected].
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