NC attorney general creates new complaint tool for gas tax cheats

Days after Gov. Josh Stein signed legislation to suspend the state’s 41-cent per gallon gas tax, North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson put gas stations on notice to pass the savings along to consumers and not try to pad their own pockets.

The North Carolina Department of Justice has launched a new online complaint form, N.C. Fuel Check, to help catch gas retailers who aren’t doing the right thing.

“The purpose of this gas tax is to provide relief to families at the pump, but that won’t happen if gas stations in our state decide to treat this as an opportunity to get a windfall for themselves,” said Jackson at a Tuesday press conference.

When gas stations receive a new tanker truckload of gas, they pay the gas tax. Jackson said by now, most stations across North Carolina should be getting new deliveries of gasoline, and they will not be charged the state gas tax through the end of November.

“This is going to reduce the costs paid for by gas stations $0.41 per gallon,” Jackson said. “This law says that those gas stations are legally required to pass those savings on to families.”

The attorney general said his office has already received consumer complaints, and he expects the office will receive a good deal more through the end of November, the duration of the gas tax suspension.

There are normal day-to-day fluctuations in gas prices due to war, weather and other external factors, Jackson said. He believes most gas retailers are following the law, but some may not be. “We are now asking members of the public to help us to spot those outliers.”

A station found not to be complying could be charged with unfair and deceptive trade practices, with penalties assessed up to $5,000 per transaction.

“They stand to lose a lot more money by breaking the law than by following it,” said Jackson.

Jackson’s office sent letters to gas retailers, distributors and the North Carolina Retail Merchants Association this week advising them of the law and the important role they play in ensuring consumers receive the benefit of the intended tax relief.

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“To gas stations all across North Carolina, I need you to hear me on this. No matter how much money you think you might be able to keep for yourself if you choose to break this law and create windfall profits, it is going to cost you more when our office knocks on your door,” said Jackson.

Consumers who think they are being overcharged at the pump are asked to provide the attorney general’s office with the station’s name and address, the price per gallon, a photo of the price sign and receipt, and an explanation of why they believe the savings were not passed on. Consumers can share that information at ncdoj.gov/ncfuelcheck or call 1-877-5-NO-SCAM.

The North Carolina Petroleum and Convenience Marketers, a group that represents gas station owners, said they have been in touch with the attorney general’s office and are working to ensure their members are aware of the new law.

Editor’s note: Story was updated Wednesday, Oct. 13 to include a response from the North Carolina Petroleum and Convenience Marketers.