NC inspectors on the lookout for gas pump problems

RALEIGH, NC (AP) — North Carolina is fielding a rising number of complaints about gas pumps, and state inspectors are out to make sure motorists get what they pay for.

The Standards Division of the state Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services expects gas prices to average $3 a gallon by the weekend. While complaints to the agency usually drop at Christmas time, this year they’ve been rising.

A common problem with pumps that fail inspection is leaking. That means consumers get less gas than they pay for.

Jerry Butler oversees the division. He says inspectors have tested more than 81,000 gas pumps in North Carolina this year, and found problems with around 9,000. The state has more than 120,000 pumps and just 24 inspectors.

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