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Ga. Dept. of Agriculture Monitors Quality of Fuel Supplies in Georgia

Regulating motor fuel quality is a key responsibility in the Georgia Department of Agriculture’s mission to protect consumers and farmers.  The Fuel and Measures section monitors the wholesale distribution and retail sales of a large amount of petroleum products.  Georgia currently ranks ninth nationally with annual gasoline sales of more than five billion gallons and ranks fifth in diesel fuel marketing with yearly sales exceeding 1.75 billion gallons.

In addition to gasoline and diesel fuel, the Department inspects aviation fuels, kerosene and liquid propane (LP) gas.  Retail gas pumps, terminal and transport truck meters are tested to assure accurate delivery, and station signs are monitored to verify that advertised prices are the same as those on the pumps.  Also, petroleum storage tanks are checked for potential water or contamination problems.

Consequently, Georgia motorists have relatively few problems related to fuel quality, and the number of gasoline pumps tested out of tolerance has been minimal over the past few years.  That kind of quality control is important not only to gasoline consumers, but also to Georgia farmers who use propane gas and diesel in their farming operations.

In addition to routine petroleum inspections at retail and distribution points, the Department promptly responds to consumer and industry requests.  Although the Fuels and Measures section has more than 144,000 retail gasoline pumps to monitor, fuel oil inspectors give first priority to consumer complaints.  Any suspected instance of adulterated fuel, inaccurate pumps or deceptive advertising is investigated immediately, usually within one working day.

“Our department does not have any regulatory authority concerning the price charged for fuels,” noted Agriculture Commissioner Tommy Irvin. “Fuel prices are set by the market place; however we do check for accuracy and consistency in advertising. That means the price advertised at a fuel dispensing establishment must match the price on the pump, which must correspond to the computed price at the pump,” Irvin said.

As part of the inspection process, product samples routinely are taken to the fuel oil laboratory in Forest Park, where they are analyzed for compliance with octane rating, volatility and numerous other standards of product quality and performance.  Failure to meet quality specifications results in a “stop-sale order,” and the product is withheld from sale until it can be brought back up to standard.

The petroleum inspection program is designed to protect and benefit both the motorist and retailer.  This system has worked so well in Georgia that several other states have adopted similar inspection programs.

“Our Fuel and Measures section has done a good job in protecting the interests of Georgia consumers throughout the years,” Irvin said.  “We want to make sure fuels   meet quality and performance standards and that consumers receive the amount of fuel they are paying for.”

If you have questions or concerns about gasoline-related matters, contact the Fuel and Measures office at (404) 656-3605 in the Atlanta area, or 1-800-282-5852 toll-free from anywhere in Georgia.