Cuyahoga County Rolls Out New Fuel Quality Program

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Media contacts:   
Rich Luchette, rluchette@cuyahogacounty.us


CLEVELAND – Fulfilling a promise first made by County Executive Ed FitzGerald during this year’s State of the County address, Cuyahoga County’s Department of Consumer Affairs today formally introduced legislation to establish a Fuel Quality Program to test octane levels at local gas stations and protect the interests of local consumers.

“Ohio is one of only three states that doesn’t already do this,” said FitzGerald. “Once again, where the state will not act, Cuyahoga County is prepared to stand up for the interests of our consumers by implementing a Fuel Quality Program that protects hardworking men and women in Northeast Ohio. I encourage our County Council to act swiftly to enact this commonsense initiative.”

Using a near-infrared portable octane analyzer, Cuyahoga County employees will be able to measure the levels of octane at local gas stations and ensure consumers receive the product they pay for. While the Department of Consumer Affairs currently checks pumps at gas stations on a regular basis to ensure they are functioning correctly, the new Fuel Quality Program will make testing octane levels part of their regular protocol.

“Over the last four years, Executive FitzGerald has established a new standard of responsibility in county government,” added Cynthia Sich, Director of the Cuyahoga County Department of Consumer Affairs. “I am proud to help lead the effort to implement these new protections for consumers across this great region.”

Under the legislation submitted to Council, any gas station may receive a stop sale order for violations detected at each pump, hose and/or storage tanks. Implementation of similar program in the State of Tennessee coincided with a drop in violations from 20% of all gas stations to just 3%.

It is suggested that consumers check their vehicle owner’s manual for the octane grade that is recommended, regular octane is recommended for most vehicles. The use of lower octane than what is recommended can possibly affect vehicle efficiency and/or maintenance.

To report scams, inquire about a business or file a complaint concerning a consumer problem, contact the Cuyahoga County Department of Consumer Affairs at 216-443-7010 or find more consumer tips and information by visiting our website at https://consumeraffairs.cuyahogacounty.us/.


  
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