Are you getting less gas than you paid for?

HOUSTON – As gas prices go down, the pain at the pump is easing. But drivers may be paying more at some gas stations without knowing it.

KPRC Local 2 regularly hears from drivers who are concerned that they are getting less gas than they are paying for.

Most of the time, it's a driver's word against the station owner's word. However, the state does inspect pumps, and inspectors have found that drivers really are not always getting what they paid for at some gas stations.

State inspectors stopped by the Timewise store in the 1200 block of Crabb River Road in December. Inspectors said they failed 23 pumps for shorting customers. They stopped the store from selling fuel until they got the pumps calibrated correctly.

Inspectors said they failed 24 pumps at the Handi Plus store in the 12000 block of Dairy Ashford. They said most of the errors at the pumps were in the station's favor.

The gas station with the most violations was at the HEB in the 2800 block of Business Center in Pearland. Inspectors checked 32 pumps there in October and 31 of them failed.

In the last six months, the state has fined 221 stations anywhere from $50 to $5,400 for pump violations. 

If you suspect that you are shorted at the pump, you should file a complaint immediately. Use your cellphone to call 800-TELL-TDA. The Texas Department of Agriculture usually sends an inspector within 24 hours.

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About the Author:

Passionate consumer advocate, mom of 3, addicted to coffee, hairspray and pastries.