Some Texas Gas Stations Shorting Customers

The Texas Department of Agriculture has put up a list of Texas businesses selling gas or diesel during the last 60 days whose pumps aren't compliant with state laws. You could be getting less fuel than you're paying for because such businesses aren't conducting proper maintenance on their pumps. While a large number of the businesses seem to be in Taylor County or Harris County, there are a few from our area on the list.

• Blake Manor Food Store, Manor - "improper maintenance"
• Escarpment Exxon off of W. William Cannon, Austin - "improper maintenance"
• GM Grocery, Manchaca - pump doesn't start at zero and is short-measured (meaning that it's not giving all the fuel it says it is)
• Murphy USA off of Norwood Park, Austin - pump not giving the amount of fuel it says it is
• Sunrise Mini-Mart off of Metric, Austin - pump not giving the amount of fuel it says it is

The Department of Agriculture notes that "improper maintenance" may not lead to a consumer getting less fuel than paid for, it just means that the pump may not be accurate. Gas stations are inspected every four years, but if a consumer notices something fishy at the pump and reports it, the Department of Agriculture will check on it ASAP. Guess they want you to get what you pay for; given the current cost of fuel, it's worth the effort.

[Fuel Stations Out of Compliance Report]
[News8Austin]

Photo by homernoh on flickr