FUEL DUPERY

You may be thinking what dupery can be done in fuelling?
Everything is electronic which involves less labour and everything happens at a considerable speed, saves time in this busy schedule. At this moment we take for granted certain happenings in the petrol bunk. There are certain incidents -

1. We tend to speak on the phone while waiting in the queue, often keep the person on hold and fill fuel. Our attention is on the call, paying money and moving so the next person in the queue proceeds forward. At this time we have not noted the meter readings and are unaware of the quantity of fuel filled. The attendant is sharp and clever that he fills less and resets to zero before the next person comes.

2. We say the attendant to fill for Rs.200; he casually fills for Rs.50 and stays cool. When we ask for it, he says he heard it as Rs.50. Then as demanded by us he fills still Rs.150. So here Rs.50 first and Rs.150 now gives you your desired fuel of Rs.200. but we fail to notice that he had continued from Rs.50 to Rs.150 and has duped us for Rs.50. We can’t ask, as there is no proof.

3. There is a system in the filling station; if only the pump piston is set to the holder it sets to zero. Or else there is a way to just show a zero and continue for the previous value.

4. If you are distracted and are not paying attention to the meter, the attendant will stop filling well before the amount is reached, and will quickly reset it to zero and pretend that his task is done. He will make a face at you to pay up and get moving as the crowd is waiting for their chance.

5. When the attendant starts filling fuel, his friend comes up and starts behaving in a friendly way. You will most certainly get cornered if you try to be responding to his talks. By the time he is done, you will turn around and find that the attendant is standing still and the meter is reading the full amount you had asked for. You leave the place satisfied. What the person would have actually done is to stop filling fuel long before what you wanted, then immediately resetting the meter and typing your desired figure manually. You would have been deceived by the talks and not paid attention to the meter.

6. In all bunks, the amount is typed manually. Generally they got to type 1500 for filling Rs.150 worth fuel. When you need to fill fuel for Rs.1500, they enter 1500 in your presence and fill the fuel. Sending you to get the bill and deceiving you by their actions and questions.

7. Customers coming in car should be very careful while filling fuel. The level of dupery is more possible and easy, as the tank is behind and a person can’t keep an eye on both the meter and the tank. The attendant could be filling the fuel in another container below. You might keep an eye on the meter.

8. When fuel is getting filled from lorry to the tanks, the air pressure is high. This makes the digital meter to show varied numbers. So, when we fill fuel the meter reading and the fuel actually filled differs.

9. Insist on filling fuel by the electronic pump which would give you the option of entering the amount of fuel to be filled. If not, the attendant will fill 0.95 litres and claim for it as 1litre.

10. Look for 8’s on the meter, instead of 0’s. When the meter is reset, all digits first display 8’s and then the regular reading starts.


There is no use of complaining to the cops or write a letter to the company or write an article in the paper or talking about consumer rights. It’s our money and we should be careful about it. It’s our right and none can exploit it from us.

-> If you are in a car, get down and check.
-> Try to fill fuel in the morning time before 8:00 AM, so you get more quantity than in the hot sun.
-> Try to go to same petrol bunk (once you start believing as genuine pump) at maximum possible to have good relationship.
-> If you have a cell phone, don't use it in the bunk.
-> Pay money after filling fuel in your vehicle.
-> Render exact change if the money has to be paid at the beginning.
-> Credit card users ensure the amount beforehand.
-> Keep constant check on the meter.
-> Fill fuel for round off amounts such as Rs.100, Rs.200etc. which would enable you to render the exact change.
-> Don’t bother to any distractions by the other staff persons.
-> Look in the meter for 8’s.
-> Don’t hesitate to stop and question if you are having doubt.
-> Spread awareness and be equipped instead of complaining.