Standards Group Votes Against Pump Gauges for ‘Hot Fuel’
The National Conference on Weights and Measures has voted not to require temperature gauges to measure fuel output on retail pumps.
The so-called “hot fuel” issue revolves around fuel expanding as it heats, delivering less power by volume, a controversial issue that has riled some trucking and motorists groups.
NCWM, which sets the standards for consumer products, voted to remove consideration of both voluntary and mandatory standards for selling fuel using a standard benchmark of 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Under the current system, fuel is sold based on the more uniform standard of volume.
If such a measure were passed, “consumers may have to incur the cost for the implementation of [automatic temperature compensation] and would have to deal with the possibility of fewer retailers in the marketplace,” NCWM said.
The trade group Natso, which represents truck stop operators, said Friday that it was pleased with the decision.
“We’re pleased that [NCWS] voted to keep fairness and transparency in fuel pricing and delivery,” said Lisa Mullings, Natso’s chief executive officer. “The current system yields the most benefits for consumers, who ultimately would have paid the price for changing requirements.”
