After an investigation into pump pricing, a New Jersey gas station owner agreed to pay $17,500 after some drivers were charged rates that didn't match the prices shown at the pump.
Here's what to know
According to News 12 New Jersey, the penalty was charged to Rajinder Chandi — owner of a Delta in Lakehurst, as well as a Sunoco and a Delta on Route 37 West in Toms River — after county investigators reviewed complaints about the three Route 37 stations.
Ocean County's Division of Weights & Measures and Office of Consumer Protection handled the matter. Their review started when customers filed complaints about the stations.
Officials said the case centered on claims that the digital pump displays listed a per-gallon price that differed from what customers were billed.
The settlement also requires changes in how the stations maintain and present pricing information to customers in Ocean County.
More background
Ocean County Commissioner Robert S. Arace, liaison to the county Department of Consumer Affairs, said, "Investigators uncovered numerous violations of state Weights & Measures laws alongside a pattern of deceptive business practices."
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Weights and measures rules ensure that the amount and price shown to a customer match what is actually sold.
What's being done?
Under the agreement, Chandi must make sure the digital displays at the three Route 37 locations match the per-gallon price customers are charged.
He also agreed to have only state-licensed, certified vendors perform pump repairs so the work meets state Weights & Measures standards.
The deal goes beyond the $17,500 penalty and also requires future compliance with state Weights & Measures rules and consumer protection laws.
Where can I learn more?
Questions about what customers are promised and what they actually pay extend beyond the gas pump. These stories cover disputed green marketing, billing disputes, and state oversight of polluters and fossil fuel projects.
• In Oregon, internal records showed NW Natural used grossly misleading green energy claims for years.
• PacifiCorp asked state officials to approve billing customers for wildfire damages tied to transmission lines.
• In Connecticut, lawmakers considered a controversial 'polluters pay' law that would indirectly raise costs for drivers.
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