Fraud at petrol pumps remains a common problem in many places even today. Complaints about charging more money by paying less fuel keep coming up from time to time across the country. While filling petrol or diesel, many times the meter is not set properly or a different type of expensive fuel is put in without asking. At some pumps the quantity is given less, while the full bill is recovered.
Despite awareness, fraudsters adopt new methods, hence it becomes necessary to be cautious. By keeping some simple things in mind while refueling your car, you can save your money and get the right amount of fuel. By adopting the suggestions given below, you can avoid fraud at petrol pumps.
set meter to 0
Always check the meter before filling fuel. Many times the attendants do not bring the meter completely to zero and start filling it with the old reading. With this you get less fuel, but the bill comes higher. Before refilling, clearly tell the attendant to set the meter to zero. Keep an eye on the screen yourself. If someone makes an excuse and starts filling quickly, stop immediately. This small precaution can save you from big loss.
take strange amount of fuel
Generally people order fuel in multiples of five hundred or thousand. On some pumps, a lower quantity is already set for this amount. To avoid this, order fuel in odd amounts like Rs 575, Rs 825 or Rs 1,350. It is difficult to set such figures in advance, so the attendant has to give the correct quantity. This method significantly reduces the chances of fraud and you get full value.
Pay attention to what fuel you are putting in.
Many times attendants start pouring power petrol or high-octane fuel without asking. There is no special need for it in normal cars, but the price is higher than regular petrol. Always ask and see which fuel is written on the nozzle. If in doubt, stop and ask. Adding wrong fuel not only costs a lot of money but sometimes can also affect the engine.
Get filled at reputable pumps only
Going to an unknown or small pump increases the risk. Where there is good arrangement, the attendants are trained and the complaint system works properly, it is safe to get it filled. There is more monitoring on big brand pumps and complaints of fraud are heard quickly. Attendants are also wary of visiting the same trusted pump regularly.
Get tested if in doubt
If you feel that fuel is getting less, get the attendant to check the quantity in a calibrated container. In this, fixed quantity of fuel is filled in a special vessel. If the vessel does not fill completely, then it becomes clear that there is a fault in the pump. In such a situation, complain immediately. This facility is available at most pumps and it is your right to demand it.
