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The Nassau County District Attorney¹s office said that Island Gas, 192 East Sunrise Highway, and USA Gas, 38 West Sunrise Highway, were selling regular gasoline at premium prices ‹ overcharging consumers by as much as 20 cents per gallon.
³At a time when our families and businesses are paying astronomical prices to commute to work and make a living, it¹s unconscionable that these stations would add to that burden,² said Nassau DA Kathleen Rice.
Workers answering the telephone at both stations declined to comment on the charges.
Along with USA Gas, 740 Hempstead Turnpike, in Elmont, the two Valley Stream gas stations are being charged with first-degree scheme to defraud, petit larceny, and agricultural and market law violations. The DA¹s office said the companies face fines of up to $25,000 if they are convicted.
³We will continue to carefully monitor octane levels to make certain consumers are getting full measure at all gas pumps,² said Nassau County Commissioner of Consumer Affairs Roger Bogsted.
The charges were the result of a four-month joint investigation by the DA¹s Office and Office of Consumer Affairs into misrepresentation of octane levels by gasoline stations in the county.
In each case, detectives from the DA¹s office purchased gasoline labeled as 93 octane from the stations. After purchasing the gasoline, the containers were sealed and brought to the Nassau County Department of Consumer Affairs, according to a statement from the DA¹s office.
According to test results, Island Gas was selling gasoline that tested at 89.4 octane as 93 octane, cheating consumer out of six cents per gallons. USA Gas was selling gasoline that tested at 88.6 octane as 93 octane, cheating consumers out of 20 cents per gallon.
The test results were used to obtain search warrants to seize purchase and delivery records from the stations in addition to other business records.
DA spokesman Eric Phillips said that anyone who purchased premium gasoline at one of the stations and still has a receipt can seek restitution by contacting the DA¹s office at (516) 571-3343.
Anyone suspecting that a gas station is overcharging for their gasoline can call the Nassau County Department of Consumer Affairs at (516) 571-2600.
