State gasoline pump inspectors offer information to consumers

COLUMBIA — In the past few months, calls about gasoline prices and problems at the pump have tripled, state Agriculture Commissioner Hugh Weathers said.

So in response to consumer concerns, the agency offered information on inspections Tuesday.

"It's our job to make sure you're getting your money's worth," said Weathers, who accompanied inspectors at a gas station here while they demonstrated how gasoline quality and pump accuracy are tested.

A recent Post and Courier Watchdog analysis of inspection records found that of 225 pumps in the tri-county area, about 2.1 percent were "out of tolerance" during the past two years.

A pump is considered out of tolerance if it gives or short-changes customers more than 3.3 fluid ounces for every five gallons. At $4 per gallon, that's equivalent to about 10 cents of gas.

To find out what state inspectors have to say about the most common consumer worries, check out The Post and Courier on Wednesday.