Now that winter is on its way, Delaware authorities are urging consumers of home heating oil to take precautions to protect their pocket books against faulty equipment or shady fuel retailers.
Delaware Department of Agriculture spokesman Dan Shortridge says consumers need to be vigilant to make certain they’re getting what they’re paying for.
"It really comes down to consumers knowing how much fuel is in their tanks, how much fuel it can hold and how much is delivered," said Shortridge.
Shortridge adds that each fuel truck is inspected annually, and you should not accept a handwritten ticket as a receipt of your purchase:
"Each truck in Delaware has to give the consumer a printed delivery ticket, um it has a serial number, a delivery date, and other information, that allows the consumer to double check and make sure that they've gotten the fuel that they've paid for," said Shortridge.
The Department of Weights and Measures reports most problems are caused by poor equipment maintenance, but warns of dishonest sellers that take advantage of consumers by pumping some of the fuel back into the delivery truck.
If you suspect an issue with your oil delivery being incorrect, contact the state Weights and Measures section and request an investigation.