The consumer fraud lawsuit was filed last March by Attorney General Tom Miller's Office based on an investigation by the Weights & Measures Bureau of the Iowa Dept. of Agriculture & Land Stewardship. The investigation determined that several gasoline tanker-truck drivers had been asked by Thakur to put 89-octane gas in tanks meant to hold 91- and 93-octane gasoline at the Citgo #578 gas station at 3527 Spring Street in Davenport.

Thakur and his business, Diwan, LLC, admitted the violation in a consent judgment and order entered recently by District Court Judge Gary D. McKenrick. Under terms of the order:

• The defendants must pay a $20,000 civil penalty.
  
  
• They are prohibited from selling 89-octane gas as higher-grade 91- or 93-octane gas.
  
  
• The Weights & Measures Bureau may accelerate and increase inspections and testing at any stations owned by the defendants.
  
  
• The defendants' license to pump gas in Iowa will be immediately and permanently revoked if there are any similar violations.

Agriculture Secretary Patty Judge stated: "This sends a clear message that gas retailers will be penalized sharply if they violate the law. Our Department's Weights & Measures Bureau inspects and licenses all commercial weighing and measuring devices, including gas pumps, and gas pump inspections are conducted unannounced annually throughout the year in order to protect consumers."

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