One-third of the gasoline stations inspected in a recent three-day state sweep were found pumping less gas than motorists paid for, posting wrong prices or pumping low-octane fuel for people buying premium. That pervasive pattern of fraud cries out for increased vigilance, by consumers and by county and state inspectors.
Authorities ticketed 350 gas station owners in the three-day sweep of 1,023 stations in all 21 counties. Among the stations cited were 12 in Monmouth County and eight in Ocean County. The state Division of Consumer Affairs should post the list of violators prominently on its Web site. And the gas stations on the list should receive regular visits from inspectors.
State Attorney General Anne Milgram said she believes most of the violations were intentional. Even in instances when they weren't, gas station operators have an obligation to know the law and to follow it.
Violators face fines of up to $1,500 for first-time offenses and significantly more for repeat violations. Counties process the violations and can suspend a gas station's operating license for five to 30 days. They should impose the toughest penalties allowed by law to send a clear message to gas station owners that fraud will not be tolerated — and fraud will not pay. And consumers should do their part by monitoring prices at the pump and reading their receipts carefully.
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