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Inspectors with the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services received complaints about fuel quality at 20 Triangle gas stations recently.
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Several customers reported that their vehicles malfunctioned or their check engine lights came on after filling up. Other customers said their mechanics guessed they had filled up with bad gas, records obtained by The News & Observer show.
After investigating the reports, which were submitted between May 6 and Aug. 18, inspectors discovered fuel quality issues at four of the 20 stations.
The issues included water coming through the pump with fuel; water and sediment found in the fuel; and phase separation — a caustic mixture of ethanol and water formed when ethanol-enriched gasoline is exposed to a high concentration of water.
In early August, an inspector visited Peace Street Family Fare gas station at 122 W. Peace St. in Raleigh after someone reported that their vehicle’s dashboard warning indicated water was in the fuel after filling up with diesel.
Tests showed there was water in the bottom of the diesel tank, and water coming through one of the diesel pumps. The inspector stopped sales of diesel.
Another issue was discovered at the Circle K at 4400 Louisburg Road in Raleigh. Someone complained that they were having issues with their vehicle engine after filling up with the “plus” gasoline, a blend of regular and premium gasoline, in July.
An inspector found phase separation in the regular gasoline storage tank and stopped sales of regular and plus gas.
A customer complained of water in premium gas after filling up at the Stop N Go gas station at 601 N. Main St. in Holly Springs late in July.
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An inspector who visited the gas station in early August found phase separation in the premium storage tank and coming through the pump with the premium gas. The inspector stopped sales of the premium and plus.
A customer of Sam’s Xpress Car Wash at 990 Hodge Road in Knightdale reported that their car was “sluggish” after buying gas at the station in July.
State inspectors found water and sediment in the 87 octane non-ethanol gas.
North Carolina’s fuel quality inspectors check the quality of gasoline, diesel, kerosene and motor oil during routine inspections and while following up on customer complaints. Inspectors aim to inspect every station at least once a year.
The state also employs inspectors who make sure gas station meters and pumps are functioning properly and are accurate.
You can report fuel quality complaints online at ncagr.gov or by calling 984-236-4770.
Complaints should include the type of fuel (including grade of gasoline, if applicable), date and time of purchase, the number of the pump used (if known) and whether you reported the issue to someone at the station.
You should also note whether you took your vehicle to a mechanic, and if the mechanic collected a fuel sample to be tested.
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