Consumers have a lot at stake when they pull up to a gasoline pump. The average family sedan costs $22,000 and uses over 750 gallons of gasoline each year. Just one purchase of poor quality gasoline could result in thousands of dollars of damage or premature engine wear to the consumer's vehicle. Increased fuel prices make gasoline fraud a more lucrative proposition for the unscrupulous gasoline marketer. Gasoline fraud also negatively impacts industry by creating an unlevel playing field.
Last year, MDA inspectors tested the quality in gasoline at more than 1,600 of the state's approximately 4,900 retail establishments. Many of these tests were performed in response to a consumer's complaint.
If you believe you received adulterated fuel or an incorrect amount, please call 1-800-MDA-FUEL (1-800-632-3835) -- required to be posted on every gasoline pump -- to file a complaint.