Weights and Measures inspectors checking gas stations in all 21 New Jersey counties have found more than 300 alleged violations, including pricing discrepancies, inaccurate octane ratings and inaccurate or out-of-tolerance equipment, Attorney General Anne Milgram and Consumer Affairs Director David Szuchman announced.

More than 1,000 gas stations were inspected at the end of May through a coordinated effort involving county and state Weights and Measures personnel.

�Consumers deserve to get what they pay for, especially when they are paying record-setting prices for gasoline,� Attorney General Anne Milgram said. �We cannot control the price of gasoline but we can, and we are, upholding our laws and regulations regarding the sale of motor fuels.�

The 350 violations found at the 1,023 stations inspected include the following:

*Meters out of tolerance (more than 6 cubic inches) 62 violations
*Station registration not available 47 violations
*Per-gallon prices different on each side of the pump 46 violations
*Fuel grade not posted (octane rating label) 37 violations
*Price-per-gallon on dispenser non-compliant 36 violations
*Service station fuel brand not posted 30 violations
*Inaccurate octane rating 26 violations
*Inaccurate total sale price calculation 19 violations
*Per-gallon prices not posted on pump 15 violations
*Multiple price changes in a 24-hour period 14 violations
*Documents not available 14 violations
*5-gallon test measure requirements (no device) 02 violations
*Credit card receipts missing information 02 violations

The counties will process these violations and local Weights and Measures officials joined with Attorney General Milgram at today�s press conference at Essex Green Sunoco in West Orange. The gas station, which has a history of being in compliance with state laws and regulations, was undergoing its annual inspection.

�Let the word go out loud and clear � we have no tolerance for any gas station operator who tries to scam motorists who are already struggling with record gas prices,� Consumer Affairs Director Szuchman said.

Dealer who violate per-gallon pricing requirements face a civil penalty of up to $1,500 for the first offense and up to $3,000 for any subsequent offense. A violation of the Consumer Fraud Act carries an initial violation of up to $10,000 and up to $20,000 for any subsequent violation.

(Yehuda Drudgestein – YWN)