Costa Rica News – Gas stations are supposed to meet high standards of safety and justice. You want to know that you are safe when you go to refill and that you are getting a high quality product in the correct quantity, based on what you paid.
Many of Costa Rica’s service stations have failed to meet the hydrocarbon standard set and checked by the Regulatory Authority of Public Services (Aresep). There were 27 that had bad quality and 12 that gave the incorrect amount. That’s 9% of those evaluated.
The visits consisted of taking three product samples (one of each gasoline type). They were tested for the presence of sediments that can be caused by poor or inappropriate filters. These sediments can damage many parts of a car. They also checked the fuel dispensers.
The review found that some were not calibrated correctly. The majority of issues were found in Alajuela. 8 stations there were noncompliant. Limon had just 4 issues, while San Jose had 7.
An owner of one of the gas stations in question argued that it shouldn’t be a problem if his devices give out more gas than was charged for. People should be happy. Nonetheless, it is required to have accurate measuring devices installed. Another owner complained that they unfairly took the sample on a day he was out of service.
