Jul 3, 2008 6:27 pm US/Central
New Push To Prevent Gas Gouging At Illinois Pumps
CHICAGO (CBS) ―
With the price of gas well over $4 a gallon, consumers want every drop they pay for.
But sometimes Pamela Smith wondered if the gas was flowing when she was pumping.
"While I'm pumping the nozzle is clicking and it's going on and off and I'm not certain if the gas is going into the vehicle," Smith said.
She is among the hundreds who have registered their concerns with the state. The state has had 700 complaints since January, compared to 500 in all of 2006.
"So it's clear that consumers are feeling the pain at the pump and they're feeling in some places local gas station is not giving every penny that they're paying for," Gov. Rod Blagojevich said.
To try and protect the public, the governor is increasing the number of inspectors who monitor gas stations from 13 to 18. Those inspectors make sure the quantity is accurate and if you choose premium you actually get premium.
And to make sure you don't get ripped off, "when you take the nozzle off, if you see anything rolling on there, money wise or gallon wise, hang it up," state inspector Bob Pankala said.
And when you stop pumping, check and make sure the numbers have also stopped running.
If you have any concerns that you're getting ripped off, complain to the gas clerk and complain to the state. Call the Bureau of Weights and Measures at (800) 582-0468.
(© MMVIII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
Get More From cbs2chicago.com
