The South Carolina’s Department of Agriculture’s Consumer Services Department helps ensure consumers get the quality and quantity of the products they purchase.
We test the accuracy of fuel pumps by inspecting every pump in the state each year. We test fuel quality by conducting routine inspections and pulling random samples for lab analysis from establishments that convey motor fuel for sale in the state. We also test fuel in response to consumer complaints.
Inspection Stats:
- 22 SCDA Consumer Services inspectors
- 64,000+ SC gas pumps inspected annually
- 20,000+ Commercial scales inspected annually
How to report bad fuel
If you think you’ve received “bad gas” or contaminated fuel, contact SCDA at 803-737-9700, the number on the SCDA inspection sticker attached to the pump.
It is very helpful if the consumer can identify the type and grade of product purchased, along with the pump number from which the fuel was dispensed. The receipt of the purchase can be very helpful and normally contains this information.
Consumer Services investigates complaints on motor fuel quality and/or quantity issues. Customers can assist in this process by contacting SCDA as soon as possible after the purchase so that we may dispatch an inspector to visually inspect and collect a sample for lab analysis while the product is still available. Upon request, we will provide a copy of the report of the lab analysis to the consumer.
SC Licensed Pump or Scale Repair-persons Registration
Registered repair-persons of commercial weighing and measuring devices are authorized to put new commercial devices into service and repaired devices back into service. Standards must be calibrated by a state standards lab every two years. The registration fee is $25 per person.
Problem at the pump?
Public Weighmasters
The Public Weighmaster Law requires that individuals verifying the accuracy of weights and other measurements taken of commodities purchased or sold in South Carolina must be licensed.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. SCDA does not monitor the price of fuel, only ensures that a price is displayed on the dispenser.
Contact SCDA at 803-737-9700, the number on the SCDA inspection sticker attached to the pump. Customers can assist in this process by contacting SCDA as soon as possible after the purchase so that we may dispatch an inspector to visually inspect and collect a sample for lab analysis while the product is still available.
No. You will receive a copy of the lab analysis on the sample that you may use to support your claims.
SCDA does not control gasoline prices. Some difference in the prices may be caused by transportation costs. However, most gasoline prices are set by the competition in the area.
Fuel container cans are not always accurate measures. Although your container may state the capacity to be five gallons, most gasoline cans are designed with additional “airspace” for expansion and to avoid overflow spillage. In most cases, fuel dispensers are much more accurate than ordinary containers used to purchase fuel for small engine applications.
The manufacturer specifies the approximate size of the fuel tank in the specifications. However, through the manufacturing process fuel tank sizes vary. Fuel tanks on vehicles are also designed with an area for expansion. When we investigate these types of complaints, in the vast majority of the cases, we do not find anything wrong with the dispenser.
The South Carolina Department of Agriculture has encountered two cases of a screw in a nozzle holster, and in both cases they were a legitimate repair made by the station to a broken flap on the holster.
However, it’s always a good idea for consumers to make sure the pump has stopped running before driving away. A receipt is a useful record of how much fuel was pumped and paid for, and from which pump.
If you ever see anything suspicious or inaccurate at the pump, we urge you to report it to us at 803-737-9700 or conser@scda.sc.gov.
