By now we have all seen the scenes on TV and social media from the southeast of our country of cars lined up to purchase gasoline while prices rise exponentially. While small increases to the price of gas during a time of emergency or low supply are expected we will not allow any business to take advantage of Rockland residents.

Teams from the Rockland County Office of Consumer Protection have stepped up local patrols due to the Colonial Pipeline hack. While we have, thankfully, not received any local reports of shortages or price gouging and have a great deal of faith in our business owners, we are being proactive in our approach.

Inspectors from the Weights and Measures section of Consumer Protection recently tested the calibration of the fuel pumps at the Mobil Station on Route 202 in Haverstraw. 5 gallons of every grade of gasoline were tested at each pump and all passed their inspection. If a pump fails it is shut down until the calibration is repaired and a re-inspection takes place.

To be clear, there is no shortage of fuel in our country but due to the Colonial Pipeline hack there has been difficulty moving fuel from refineries to gas stations. But this is a temporary issue which we expect to see corrected shortly.

Consumers are also reminded to only store gasoline in containers approved for fuel. Plastic bags, tupperware, plastic bottles and storage totes should not be filled with gasoline. Please follow the gas container manufacturer instructions for storing and transporting gasoline and when using a gas container, never pour gasoline over or near an open flame.

Our Office of Consumer Protection is also able to look into what gas stations pay for the fuel they receive. Our Director of Consumer Protection Jim Elcik (pictured below) spoke with staff of the Mobil Station and confirmed that the price they’re charging for fuel is in line with what they paid.

But we need your help as well; we urge residents to report any gas station that has suspiciously high prices by calling 845-364-3901 or emailing [email protected]. Together we will keep working and making surprise inspections to protect you and ensure you’re paying a fair price.

*This is a weekly column by Rockland County Executive Ed Day.