Ways to avoid getting duped at a petrol station
Fuel prices are getting dearer by the day but are we getting
every drop of fuel paid for? Well, if the outpouring of woes online is any
indicator, then no, we have a long way to go to prevent being cheated at fuel
stations.
So as customers, how can we ensure
we aren't at the receiving end of this trickery? What are the precautions that
need to be taken and how do we get our grievances addressed? Here's more-
Precautions
- Keep a keen eye on YOUR fuel pump - especially in the
beginning and just before the end of the fill. Avoid all distractions -
it's indeed a blessing that cell phones aren't allowed in fuel stations.
Other distractions like your car stereo or balancing your 2-wheeher can be
avoided too.
- Make sure the fuel attendant has heard the amount
right. To be doubly sure, ask the attendant to repeat, just as you in
restaurants, though this should be a lot easier for him.
- Pay the amount ONLY AFTER the filling is complete. In
most cases, either due to our overzealousness or simply being told by the
attendant, we often end-up fiddling our pockets or wallets, in the process
neglecting the fill.
- Keep track of your fuel indicator during every refill,
for this reading can be good source of verification. If your 2-wheeler
fuel indicator takes that little longer to reflect, do wait by the side
until it shows up. You really wouldn't want to find out being duped in the
middle of traffic.
- Also, it's a misplaced notion that meters in fuel pumps
are tamper-proof. While meter tampering is a grave issue, it can only be
checked by specialists. However, this can be checked by informing the
concerned fuel company.
In spite of these precautions, if
you still get duped, it's best to file a complaint. Take my word, the process
isn't as cumbersome as one may imagine, in fact it is a lot more effective than
creating a ruckus at the petrol station.
You can share your complaint at the
'Indian Consumer Complaints Forum' or even better - register it directly with
the respective fuel company. Their websites have contact details of various
regional offices that you can directly walk-in to as well as an online
complaint form and even a toll-free number.
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