Currently, there are numerous petrol pumps in the country, and fraud cases are on the rise. However, people do not become wiser and continue to become victims of various tricks employed by unscrupulous dealers of petrol stations. Below is the list of some well-known petrol pump frauds and how to avoid them.
1. Look at the Gas Gauge Before Refueling
This is best done before you start pumping the fuel in your vehicle, and ensure the meter on your fuel dispenser shows zero. They can set the meter at a certain value, and as a result, one can be charged more for the fuel than he or she is supplied. If the meter is not at zero, ask the attendant to zero it to before you start fuelling your vehicle.
2. It is important to avoid buying fuel in even quantities.
To prevent being scammed, ask for an odd or an uneven quantity of fuel. For instance, instead of requesting for 100 or 200 rupees worth of fuel, they may ask for 147 or 254 rupees respectively. This can assist in avoiding the situation where the pump uses preset figures and you end up receiving fewer liters of fuel than you paid for.
3. Verify the Fuel Quality
Check that you are using the correct fuel for your car. If you are driving an old generation car then you should use the normal grade of fuel while for a new or performance car then you should use the premium grade of fuel. Make sure you are choosing a fuel type that can suit your vehicle to enhance chances of not getting the wrong fuel or a poor quality fuel.
4. Choose Reputable Petrol Pumps
Try and always fill up your car at known and recognized petrol stations whenever you get a low fuel warning. Novel or less frequented petrol stations may be more prone to fraud. Fixed stations are usually more consistent and are less likely to involve themselves in corrupt activities.
5. Check the Fuel Quantity
If you suspect that you are not receiving the full quantity of fuel that you have paid for, ask the petrol pump attendant to verify the amount. They should use a calibrated container to measure the fuel. If the container does not reach the specified mark, it indicates that you have been short-changed.
By staying vigilant and following these tips, you can protect yourself from common petrol pump scams. Always be proactive and observant during your refueling process to ensure that you get what you pay for. If you encounter any issues or suspicious behavior, don’t hesitate to report it to the authorities.
