Standards - Fuel Quality Program

Checking Fuel Quality

 

The Fuel Quality Program is responsible for enforcing motor fuel (gasoline and diesel fuel) quality standards, heating fuel (kerosene and fuel oil) quality standards, and motor oil quality standards. Tests are performed on site and at the Fuel Quality Laboratory in Raleigh.

Current Distillation Enforcement Guidance September, 2024 - March, 2025

The program relies on eleven field inspectors that are positioned across the state in designated territories and who each have a mobile testing laboratory. Inspectors conduct routine inspections at retail locations, respond to requests for assistance from the public and industry, and conduct complaint investigations when poor fuel quality is reported. In addition, once a week they collect routine samples for submission to the central laboratory in Raleigh for analysis. The testing methods and specifications used by both the field inspectors and the central laboratory are adopted from ASTM International’s Committee D02 on Petroleum Products, Liquid Fuels, and Lubricants.