• Clean and Safe Transportation



• Power to Protect: Regulatory Policy



• Consumer Protections




• Take Action!

Hot Fuel

For decades, gasoline retailers have been overcharging drivers by selling them “hot fuel” – gasoline or diesel that is warmer than the industry standard of 60 degrees and that provides less energy than the standard gallon. In an exposé in August 2006, the Kansas City Star estimated that retailers are shortchanging drivers 760 million gallons of motor fuel per year.

We helped expose this problem to a wider audience with a December 2006 press event:

Groups Charge Big Oil With Consumer Fraud of More than $2 Billion Annually (press release)

Hot Fuel Means Big Rip-Off at Gasoline Pumps: Statement of Joan Claybrook

Statement of independent truck drivers Mark and Becky Rushing

Fact Sheet about Hot Fuel

Lawsuits filed in California and New Jersey

Because Public Citizen does not accept funds from corporations, professional associations or government agencies, we can remain independent and follow the truth wherever it may lead. But that means we depend on the generosity of concerned citizens like you for the resources to fight on behalf of the public interest. If you would like to help us in our fight, click here.