Don’t Fill Up Without Reading This! Common Petrol Pump Scams You’re Falling For
Don’t Fill Up Without Reading This! Common Petrol Pump Scams You’re Falling For
Petrol pumps cheating customers is not new in India. While most vehicle owners have become more alert, scams at refuelling stations continue to surface regularly. From dispensing less fuel than paid for to using clever distractions, many fuel station staff find new tricks to deceive customers. These incidents have raised serious concerns about how widespread the malpractice is and how difficult it is for ordinary consumers to detect fraud.
Short Fuel, Full Payment
A common method of cheating involves dispensing less fuel while charging the customer for the full amount. This often happens when the attendant does not set the fuel meter to zero before starting. If the metre begins from a higher reading, the vehicle gets less fuel than what the customer is billed for. Most customers miss this detail, especially during rush hours, leading to regular losses over time.
Fixed Amount Frauds
Another trick used by some petrol pump staff involves taking advantage of customers who ask for fuel in round figures like ₹500 or ₹1,000. At some stations, specific fuel volumes are preset for these amounts, often lower than what they should be. To avoid falling into this trap, experts suggest asking for fuel in odd amounts such as ₹575 or ₹1,355. This makes it difficult for attendants to manipulate preset values.
Power Petrol Without Consent
Many motorists are also unknowingly charged for premium or power petrol. In several cases, attendants fill high-octane fuel without asking the customer. For regular vehicles, this type of petrol offers no real advantage but comes at a higher cost. It’s important for vehicle owners to check which type of fuel is being filled before payment.
Reputed Pumps Are Safer
Refuelling at well-known and reputed petrol pumps is always safer. Trusted stations often have trained and disciplined staff, making them less likely to engage in fraudulent activity. It’s also easier to report any issues at established pumps which usually follow stricter operational standards.
Know Your Rights: Ask for Quantity Check
If a customer suspects they’ve been short-changed, they can demand a quantity check. This involves the pump staff dispensing a specific quantity of fuel into a standard container. If the container doesn’t fill to the required level, it confirms that the fuel pump is not dispensing accurately.
Staying alert and following a few simple steps can help consumers avoid being cheated. As fuel prices continue to rise, it becomes even more important to ensure every rupee spent gives full value.
