Cincinnati, OH – GasPro, a prominent chain of gas stations headquartered in Ohio, is facing allegations that it deliberately slowed down the flow rate of their gas pumps for customers using their branded rewards cards, resulting in millions of dollars in savings for the company. The revelations became known to state authorities and consumer protection agencies after investigations were prompted by customer complaints about significantly slower pump rates experienced by rewards card users at GasPro locations nationwide.
Speaking on the condition of anonymity, a source close to the investigation revealed that the months-long investigation has uncovered embedded software code within GasPro’s gas pumps, designed to intentionally slow down the fueling rate for customers using their branded rewards cards. As the fuel discounts are only able to be used on one transaction, customers were forfeiting the full use of their entitled discounts and were not maximizing their reward benefits after growing frustrated with waiting for the slow pumps.
For example, if a customer using their GasPro rewards card had a discount of 30 cents off per gallon from the regular price and the pump was deliberately programmed to slow down the dispensing rate, the customer often decided to stop pumping after 8 gallons instead of filling their tank completely to 16 gallons. Assuming the regular price per gallon of gasoline is $3, the customer would receive a discount of $0.30 x 8 = $2.40 on their fuel purchase for 8 gallons.
Gaspro by deliberately slowing the dispensing rate, saved an estimated $2.40 per customer in unused discounts by having the customer abandon pumping after 8 gallons due to the slowdown of the pump rate instead of the customer pumping the full 16 gallons.
Consumer advocacy group FuelWatch strongly denounced GasPro’s alleged actions, labeling them as a deceptive practice aimed at depriving customers of the benefits they earned through loyalty programs. Emily Tan, spokesperson for FuelWatch, demanded a thorough investigation into GasPro’s operations and called for appropriate repercussions. “This deliberate manipulation of dispensing rates is a clear violation of consumer trust. GasPro must be held accountable for their actions,” Tan stated.
GasPro, operating a vast network of over 500 gas stations nationwide, vehemently denies the allegations, claiming that their gas pumps are accurately calibrated, and any discrepancies are coincidental. The company released a statement expressing its willingness to fully cooperate with ongoing investigations and reiterated its commitment to customer satisfaction.
The allegations against GasPro have left customers feeling betrayed and raised concerns about the integrity of other loyalty programs offered by businesses. Rewards cards have gained massive popularity in recent years, offering consumers incentives such as discounted gas prices, cashback rewards, and exclusive benefits that are especially appealing to consumers dealing with increasing inflation.
State authorities and consumer protection agencies have reassured the public that they will treat the matter seriously and their meticulous investigation will determine the extent of the deliberate slowdowns and whether any laws were violated. If found guilty, GasPro could face severe penalties, including significant fines and potential criminal charges.
Ohio Attorney General, Elizabeth Reynolds, expressed deep concern over the allegations against GasPro, stating, “If these allegations are proven true, it is a serious breach of consumer rights and a violation of our state’s laws. We will thoroughly investigate this matter and ensure that appropriate legal action is taken to protect consumers and hold GasPro accountable for their actions.”
In response to the allegations, GasPro’s spokesperson, Ryan Parker, maintained the company’s innocence, stating, “GasPro is committed to providing fair and transparent services to our valued customers. We vehemently deny any intentional manipulation of pump rates or deceptive practices. We are fully cooperating with the investigations and are confident that the truth will prevail.”
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