MDA is testing for "Hot Fuel"

Dear Editor,

I write to alert consumers of an issue that has recently come to my attention. This is the issue of "Hot Fuel." When the average temperature of fuel in storage tanks at gas stations exceeds 60 degrees, it is commonly referred to as "hot fuel." As fuel heats up, it expands and consumers may get shortchanged at the pump in terms of gas mileage per gallon.

After learning of this phenomenon, I inquired with the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s (MDA) Weights and Measures program to find out what Maryland is doing to protect its citizens. I was pleased to learn that MDA, in conjunction with Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot, has initiated a program to test the temperature of gasoline storage tanks throughout the state to ensure that consumers are getting a fair shake at the pump. Working with weights and measures inspectors from MDA, Comptroller enforcement agents have begun temperature testing to verify that gas is being properly stored at the temperature of 60 degrees or cooler.

If you feel, for this or any other reason, that a gas pump is not dispensing fuel accurately, I urge you to contact the Maryland Department of Agriculture at 410-841-5970 during regular business hours or contact my office by phone at 410-841-3620 or by email at katherine.klausmeier@senate.state.md.us .

Sincerely,
Senator Kathy Klausmeier
8th Legislative District-Baltimore County

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