In today’s world, bikes and cars have become essential for many people. Most households own at least one bike or car; it would be difficult to get around without these vehicles.
As a result, people visit petrol pumps regularly to refuel their bikes and cars with petrol or diesel. Unfortunately, the need for fuel can sometimes lead to fraudulent activities, and petrol pumps are no exception.
We often hear about irregularities such as underfilling petrol or diesel, meter tampering, and fuel adulteration. This can lead to arguments and even physical altercations between motorists and petrol pump employees.
Being vigilant is key to avoiding falling prey to these scams. Always ensure that the meter at the petrol pump shows zero before the fueling process begins.
This simple step ensures that you receive the full amount of petrol or diesel for your payment. However, it’s crucial to be aware that scams can occur in other ways, including the “jump trick.”
In addition to checking the meter, paying attention to the fuel density displayed on the petrol pump machine is crucial. In India, the ideal density for petrol is 720–775 kg/m3 at 15°C, which indicates good quality fuel.
You can also perform a simple test using filter paper to check the purity of the petrol. If a drop of petrol evaporates within two minutes and leaves no stain on the filter paper, it indicates good quality petrol. If a stain remains, the petrol may be adulterated.
If you encounter any issues at a petrol pump, it’s essential to report them. You can do this by calling the toll-free helpline numbers provided by Indian Petroleum (1800-22-4344), HP petrol pumps (1800-2333-555), and Indian Oil petrol pumps (1800 2333 555).
You can also file complaints on the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas’s official website: https://pgportal.gov.in/. Your vigilance and action can help curb fraudulent activities at petrol pumps.