Comptroller Franchot Hosted Tour of Agency's Motor Fuel Testing Lab

With the peak of summer travel season approaching and gas prices steadily on the rise, Comptroller Peter Franchot lead a tour of the Motor Fuel Testing Laboratory in Jessup today and participated in a live analysis of gasoline samples to highlight the agency’s efforts to protect consumers at the pump. The samples used in the analysis were gathered earlier today at a station near the lab. As Comptroller, Franchot is the state’s chief regulator of all petroleum products. “As the July 4th weekend approaches and Marylanders get ready to hit the road, I believe it is important to educate consumers about what they can do to protect themselves at the pump at a time when the family budget is tight,” said Comptroller Franchot. “The work done daily at this facility is vital in our agency’s efforts to prevent the sale of poor quality fuel and ensure that people get their monies worth each time they visit the gas station.”The Comptroller’s Motor Fuel Inspection program began in 1970. From 1970 to 1974, the testing laboratory was located at the University of Maryland, until May 1974 when the facility was moved to its current Jessup location. At the time of the program’s inception, about 10% of the motor fuel tested failed one or more of the quality control tests. Currently, the test failure rate is less than 1%, an indication that Marylanders are receiving better products each time they fill up their car.The primary function of the lab is to analyze all incoming petroleum products for their quality and to make sure the fuel is in compliance with state regulations, as well as federal EPA guidelines. The laboratory is also equipped to run analysis of alcoholic beverages for proof verification using Gas Chromatography procedures. Gasoline and petroleum products are collected at the retail stations and bulk terminals throughout the state along with monthly samples from bulk terminals at nearby Virginia and Pennsylvania locations, as fuels from these locations regularly enter the Maryland market.On average, fuel inspectors conduct more than 100 field tests a week at stations across the state and send the samples back to the Jessup laboratory for analysis. At the lab, technicians typically test the gasoline for vapor pressure, oxygen and sulfur content and octane as well as whether the gas is water and sediment-free to prevent engine damage. The lab also tests various distillates including diesel, kerosene, fuel oil on a regular basis.At the event Wednesday, Comptroller Franchot offered tips to motorists to help protect them at the pump. The tips can be found on the Comptroller’s Web site, www.marylandtaxes.com, by clicking the “Money Saving Tips for Motorists” icon. The link includes information that can help consumers find the cheapest gas being sold near them as well as what to do if they suspect they were sold tampered fuel. Motorists can call the Comptroller’s Field Enforcement Division with tips at 410-260-6154.

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