AI-generated illustration; not a photograph of the reported event.
- calendar_today October 22, 2026
N.C. Attorney General Receives Surge in Gas Stations Complaints
More than 470 complaints have poured into the North Carolina Attorney General’s Office in just one week, after a new website launched allowing residents to report gas stations suspected of not passing along gas tax savings to drivers. The action follows the recent implementation of the Relief of the Pump Act, which temporarily suspends the state gas tax.
Background: Relief of the Pump Act and Fuel Tax Suspension
The Relief of the Pump Act, passed by the North Carolina General Assembly, pauses the state’s 41-cents-per-gallon fuel tax through November. The legislation aims to provide relief to motorists by lowering prices at the pump.
Launch of N.C. Fuel Check Website
On October 13, Attorney General Jeff Jackson announced the launch of N.C. Fuel Check, a website designed for consumers to report gas stations potentially not transmitting the tax savings to customers. Residents can submit reports online or call 1-877-566-7226 to share details about stations with prices they believe do not reflect the new tax policy.
Review and Investigation Process
According to the attorney general’s office, every complaint submitted through Fuel Check is being carefully reviewed. If a complaint warrants further action, an investigation will be conducted. In addition to consumer reports, the office will analyze publicly available gas price data, looking for outliers—stations whose prices are significantly higher than comparable businesses in the area.
Legal Authority and Penalties
Attorney General Jackson has signaled intent to use the state’s unfair and deceptive practices act to enforce compliance. This act allows the attorney general to pursue violators, with a maximum penalty of $5,000 per transaction, in addition to any damages. “We’re asking consumers to be our eyes and ears by reporting gas stations they think aren’t passing on gas tax savings at the pump,” Jackson said. He expressed gratitude to those who have already submitted complaints and emphasized that each case will receive attention.
Next Steps for Consumers and Ongoing Oversight
The public is encouraged to continue reporting any gas stations suspected of unfair pricing practices during the fuel tax suspension. The N.C. Fuel Check platform will remain active throughout the period of the Relief of the Pump Act, contributing to wider consumer protection efforts in the state. The Office of the Attorney General remains committed to monitoring gas prices and investigating reports to ensure the benefits of tax savings reach North Carolina drivers.
Source: cbs17.com.
