Companies Pay Fines for Improperly Labeling Fuel

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) - Two companies accused of selling improperly labeled fuel in South Dakota have agreed to pay the state nearly $80,000.

State Attorney General Marty Jackley announced Monday that an agreement with Harms Oil of Brookings and M.G. Oil of Rapid City has been reached after a months-long investigation.

Jackley says in a news release that both companies cooperated with the investigation. He adds that while the investigators found that 85-octane gas had been improperly sold, the companies hadn't made "unusual profits" off the sales.

Harms Oil agreed to pay $28,500 to the state to recoup the cost of octane testers and to pay for educational materials to be distributed to retail businesses. It also will pay Jackley's office $21,500.

Similarly, M.G. Oil is paying $28,500 for octane testing and educational materials.

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