Many New York City gas stations are selling regular gas as premium, a report by local news outlet The City has found. An analysis of Department of Consumer and Worker Protection inspection data from 2023 to 2025 shows that 702 of the 729 gas stations inspected failed their octane, mid-grade gas blends, or signage tests. This represents a staggering 96 percent failure rate. Most of these failures are related to issues with premium versus regular gas, with many stations incorrectly labeling their pumps as selling higher-octane fuel than they actually do.
['The consequences of this deception can be significant for car owners who rely on high-quality fuel for their vehicles. Turbocharged and high-compression engines, which have become increasingly popular in recent years, require premium fuel to function optimally. When these engines are fed lower-octane fuel, the risk of detonation and knock increases, potentially causing costly damage to the vehicle.', ['The Department of Consumer and Worker Protection has been working to address this issue through regular inspections and enforcement actions. Inspectors check for a range of issues, including the accuracy of pump labels and the quality of fuel being dispensed. While some gas station owners may be aware of these regulations, many others are failing to comply.', ["The problem is not just about consumer protection; it's also about public health and safety. Diesel fuel, which was found to be a common issue at NYC gas stations, can contain high levels of toxic chemicals that pose serious risks to human health if inhaled or ingested.", ['In response to these findings, the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection has vowed to take action against businesses that are violating consumer protections. Inspectors will continue to monitor gas stations and enforce regulations to ensure that consumers receive the fuel they pay for.', ['The rise of electric vehicles has also had a significant impact on the gas station industry in NYC. As more drivers switch to electric, gas station owners are facing declining revenue and are looking for ways to adapt. However, this shift does not excuse deceptive business practices.', ['Gas station owners interviewed by The City acknowledged that they were aware of the regulations and the consequences of non-compliance. Many expressed frustration with the regulatory environment and the costs associated with complying with consumer protection laws.', ['Despite these challenges, regulators remain committed to protecting consumers. The Department of Consumer and Worker Protection will continue to monitor gas stations and take enforcement action against businesses that fail to comply with regulations.', ["For car owners in NYC, it's essential to be aware of these issues and to choose gas stations that are reputable and transparent about the fuel they sell. By doing so, consumers can help ensure that businesses are held accountable for their actions and that consumer protections are upheld."]]]]]]]]
