NEW: What State Inspectors Found After Inspecting Gas Stations

Saturday, May 26, 2012

GoLocalWorcester News Team

The Massachusetts Division of Standards recently reviewed octane levels at 87 stations across the state, with all but one station passing inspection. Another station was cited for improper signage.

Inspectors cited two stations, including King Petroleum in Dedham. The station’s premium gasoline was found to be 90.4 octane and the station also had price sign violations. The business was fined $1,175. The station passed inspection on a second visit. Green Valley Oil Company in New Bedford was cited for missing price signs. The station was fined $100.

“Bay State drivers should take a few extra moments when they pump their gas to make sure that the price at the pump matches the price on the street sign,” said Barbara Anthony, Undersecretary of the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation. “We’re also recommending that drivers take steps to save gas this holiday and save themselves money.”

Inspections before Memorial Day are an annual effort by the Division of Standards, and this year's results are similar to past years’, as gas stations have consistently met state regulations regarding pump pricing and octane levels. In 2011, a total of 186 inspections at 86 stations found zero violations. This year, inspectors looked at 212 different octane levels.

Traditionally, regular gasoline is 87 octane and premium is 93 octane. Higher-octane gas is more expensive, and consumers need to be assured they are purchasing a product at the desired octane level.

Nine Division of Standards field inspectors cover every region of the Commonwealth from Pittsfield to Provincetown, making unscheduled visits to gasoline stations to monitor not only prices, but also advertising practices and product quality. In March, Gov. Deval Patrick directed state inspectors to step up oversight efforts to guard against potential price gouging. Those inspections were incorporated into the Division’s annual review of gas stations.

“Consumers cannot check the octane level of gas themselves at the pump, so there is a trust factor on the part of the consumer that the gas station owner or manager is complying with the rules,” said Charles Carroll, Director of the Division of Standards. “Our inspections have found strong compliance in this area, and we applaud gas stations for adhering to these standards.”

In an effort to keep consumers informed as to how they can save money while traveling this holiday weekend and throughout the summer, the Office of Consumer Affairs and the Division of Standards today urged drivers to follow guidelines from the Federal Trade Commission in order to achieve their car's best mileage. Among the tips are to drive more efficiently, such as avoiding aggressive driving and unnecessary idling and proper car maintenance, such as regular oil changes and properly inflated tires. Also, using the octane level recommended for your car is recommended, with higher octane gas offering no tangible benefit.