Last week, Costco agreed to install temperature-sensitive gas pumps that will slightly adjust the amount of fuel dispensed to account for the fuel lost to expansion as outside temperatures rise above 60 degrees. This was the retailer's way of removing itself from national and state class action lawsuits by drivers over the sale of "hot gasoline."
This has only served to increase temperatures and maybe blood pressure levels among industry advocates representing petroleum marketers who are spending millions to fight these lawsuits, which groups like the National Association of Truck Stop Operators say are without merit.
The National Conference on Weights and Measures hasn't yet approved the equipment Costco has agreed to install, and gasoline industry groups contend the equipment will cost consumers more through increased gasoline prices, and provide no tangible benefit in the way more fairly priced fuel.
If Costco installs this equipment and markets it as a way for consumers to get what they think they are paying for, how will other gas marketers compete against that message? Will some others feel compelled to install similar equipment? How are consumers supposed to judge what a fair price is in their market, if retailers are no longer selling the same "size" gallon?
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