Township Gas Station Cited for Falsely Advertising Octane Levels

A gas station in Gloucester Township was among eight in South Jersey cited by the state Office of Weights and Measures for selling gas with octane levels well below the levels indicated on the pumps.

The Citgo station at 302 South Black Horse Pike, in Blackwood, was among four Camden County stations named in the civil complaint, which was announced Thursday after a two-week period of unannounced octane tests at 325 stations across New Jersey.

Using portable octane testers, Weights and Measures officials conducted field tests, and when there were apparent violations or unclear results, samples were sent to labs in Philadelphia and New York for further testing.

Weights and Measures officials said a total of 40 samples went out for testing, which included five alleged violations in Middlesex County, one alleged violation in Bergen County and a total of eight alleged violations in Camden and Gloucester counties.

Lower octane levels can cause engine knock or, in extreme cases, damage to pistons and rods from the fuel self-igniting under compression from the engine. This is more obvious in cars designed to use premium gas, but can affect any car if the octane level is below what’s marked at the pump.

Each station charged with a violation of the Weights and Measures statute faces a fine from $250 to $1,000 for the first violation, and fines between $1,000 and $5,000 for subsequent violations.

Each station charged with violating the Motor Fuels Act faces a fine of up to $1,500 for their first violation, and up to $3,000 for subsequent violations, as well as suspension of its license to operate, between five and 30 days.

Consumers who believe they have been cheated or scammed by a business, or suspect any other form of consumer abuse, can file a complaint with the state Division of Consumer Affairs by visiting NJConsumerAffairs.gov or by calling 800-242-5846.

Stations in Gloucester County that were cited were:

• Mantua Pike Lukoil, 897 Mantua Pike, West Deptford
• Gurbittha Gas LLC Lukoil, 500 N. Broad St., Woodbury
• Glassboro Lukoil, 100 Delsea Drive, Glassboro
• US Gas / Bahadur Singh, Inc., 724 Delsea Drive, Malaga

Stations in Camden County that were cited were:

• Citgo, 302 South Black Horse Pike, Blackwood
• Jessie’s Gulf, 720 White Horse Pike, Oaklyn
• Runnemede Extra, 405 E., Clements Bridge Road, Runnemede
• US Gulf, 1200 Route 73, Pennsauken