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News
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Dealing with the rising cost of motor fuel
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3/30/2011
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Article Content Suggested lead
High gasoline prices in Oregon mean motorists are vitally interested in making sure they get what they pay for. Somebody is looking out for the consumer, but consumers can also look out for themselves:
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Inspectors with the Oregon Department of Agriculture continue checking motor fuel quality and the accuracy of more than 28-thousand fuel dispensers statewide. Samples taken in 2010 show a tiny fraction of problems for motorists, according to Clark Cooney of ODA's Measurement Standards Division:
COONEY: "Both the motor fuel quality and the accuracy of the pumps out there have been very consistent and, overall, very good." :07
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In fact, way less than one-percent of the gasoline or the pumps that deliver it in Oregon were out of compliance last year. But with an expected 5.4 billion dollars spent on fuel purchases in Oregon this year, it's important motorists get the most out of every drop:
COONEY: "It's going to be the consumer to be able to reduce the cost of the fuel they use. The actual price of motor fuels, certainly in my view, doesn't look like it's coming down anytime soon.. So it's up to us as consumers to do the best we can to mitigate that cost." :15
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There are several useful tips for motorists that will help. Don't drive any more than you have to. Drive at the posted speed. Avoid jackrabbit starts and stops. Keep your vehicle properly tuned, don't buy an octane grade higher than you need, and use a credit, debit or customer loyalty card that offers rebates or reduced prices for fuel purchases. In Salem, I'm Bruce Pokarney.
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COONEY says motorists have a great deal of influence on getting what they pay for with gasoline. It all starts with driving habits:
"First and foremost, I would recommend that the person just doesn't drive any more than they absolutely have to. If they do, make a list of the different locations you need to go to. That substantially will save on the gasoline that you are having to buy." :15
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COONEY says ODA inspectors check nearly all of the state's gasoline pumps for accuracy and take fuel samples for quality:
"We are out there, the businesses know we are there. It helps just provide a good assurance to everybody that they are getting what they are paying for as a consumer, and that the businesses have a level playing field." :13
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Full story
http://oregon.gov/ODA/news/110330gasoline.shtml |
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