The owner of three gas stations in Ocean County has agreed to pay thousands of dollars in fines for showing one price at the pump yet charging his customers more.
The fine was in the amount of $17,500. The gas stations include a Delta and a Sunoco on Route 37 in Toms River plus a Delta in Lakehurst. Three customers complained about being overcharged to the Ocean County Office of Weights and Measures.
Ocean County Commissioner Robert Arace said in a statement, "Investigators uncovered numerous violations of state Weights & Measures laws alongside a pattern of deceptive business practices.”
The gas station owner, Rajinder Chandi, agreed to pay the fine as part of a settlement. As part of that agreement, county officials say the owner must make sure pump screens match pricing and the owner may only use certified vendors for pump repairs.
News 12 spoke with prior customers of the Delta on Route 37.
“I mean, gas is already crazy as it is and then you’re going to lie to the public and charge us more. You know what I mean? It’s crazy," said driver Bill Klix, of Toms River.
For drivers who are concerned about being overcharged, it’s suggested that they retrieve a receipt for their gas. Customers can also contact their county Office of Weights and Measures if they feel they were cheated.
News 12 New Jersey has reached out to the gas station owner for a comment on the settlement but has not yet heard back.