Fuel Quality

Protecting Fuel Quality in Tennessee

Tennessee’s fuel quality program was established after a 1988 statewide survey found that approximately 30 percent of fuel samples did not meet labeled claims or minimum federal standards. In 1989, the Tennessee General Assembly enacted the Kerosene and Motor Fuels Quality Inspection Act to provide statewide oversight of fuel sold in Tennessee.

Within two years of the program’s implementation, the statewide fuel compliance rate increased to more than 95 percent. Since then, the program has continued to adapt to changes in fuel products, industry practices and the marketplace. The Tennessee Department of Agriculture inspects fuel locations, investigates complaints, collects and tests fuel samples, and verifies that products are properly labeled and meet applicable federal, state and ASTM International standards.

The program protects consumers and supports reputable businesses by identifying contaminated, mislabeled or substandard fuel through independent inspections and laboratory testing. This work also helps protect businesses from unsupported claims by providing objective testing and documented findings. When violations are identified, the department takes appropriate action to correct the issue and bring the product or business into compliance.

Through consistent inspections, accurate testing and fair enforcement, the department helps maintain a reliable fuel marketplace for Tennessee consumers and businesses.

The fuel inspection sticker on fuel pumps represents a passed certification from the State of Tennessee. The pump is certified for the Fiscal Year (July 1 of the current year to June 30 of the following year).