[andescondor]

I generally fill-up at the bunk in Hebbal. The one onto your left as you come down from Yelahanka - just before you hit the new Godrej Apartments.

I was the victim of a new trick. I asked for a full tank as usual. The guy filled in 31 litres and 90 points and the amount was 1159 something. I wanted to make it 1150 and asked him to continue. He released the pump and the fuel meter showed 32 litres 20 points (I don't remember exactly).The amount was 3-4 rupess ahead. Even on earlier occassions, I had asked them to round-off (at the same pump) and they used to do it approximately, if not accurately. Now, I said that I'll pay only 1150. I argued that I already lost 10 points since he stopped at 31.90. But the, the guy started pumping again and stopped at 32.89 (not, 32.90 as they usually do). He said that he cannot stop between 31.90 and 32.00 due to "technical reasons". And since my tank was not up to the brim anyways, I was treated to excess diesel from 31.90 to 32.89 (remember that he saved one point here). The amount was 1159.75 something. I ended up paying 1160 since I asked for a correction of 10 points. I didn't have time to argue since I was late to office and gave him a mouthful and left.
10 points saved = 3.7 rupees per full tank. Being on the Hyderabad highway, 150 full tanks earn amlost 450 extra bucks. Now extrapolate this to lorries, buses and other heavy vehicles.

Now comes the interesting part. After I came to office, I checked the fuel tank lid if he shut it properly. To my dismay, I released the fuel tank opener but the lid doesn't seem to open. I tried prying it open with my car keys but it does not budge. Do you think the guy had some trick up his sleeve to do this? Ot is it that it got really stuck? Is it something that I can fix on my own?

Please advise!

[gpa]

Originally Posted by andescondor

I didn't have time to argue since I was late to office and gave him a mouthful and left.

A golden rule to be followed is always fill your tank when you are not in a hurry or on a weekend. Take your time at the filling station. The attendants usually sense when a customer is in a hurry and tend to cheat them.

[amohit]

Originally Posted by andescondor

I was the victim of a new trick. I asked for a full tank as usual. The guy filled in 31 litres and 90 points and the amount was 1159 something. I wanted to make it 1150 and asked him to continue.

In addition to being not in hurry, why dont you get yourself a CC which has 0 surcharge on fuel purchases. There will be no need of rounding up.

Regards,

[andescondor]

Yes, I think I shouldn't be in a hurry. And, any ideas about the fuel tank opener?

[vinay.pillai]

I used to fill petrol from Indian Petrol Pump (heard it is a company one) located on Outer Ring road, near HSR Layout (Mantri Apt). I always go for a full tank.

This incident happened 4 months back when I went to fill M800 full tank. As usual, I asked him to start fill it and I opened the petrol lid and they guy showed me 0. Till 10 ltr I kept my eye and it is displaying both quantity as well as amount. Then I just moved my eyes to take out something from inside the car and in 2-3 min, he said the tank is full. Display showed 27 ltr went inside but Amount was blank. I was surprised and I paid him the money (he calculated using calculator). One good thing I did was, I asked for the bill. He gave me the bill.

Out took my car and parked it on outer ring road in front of Mantri Apt and kept watching my fuel guage of car. It is not showing full. I was sure that I was fooled. Turn the car back and took it to Petrol pump. I went straight to the same machine and called the guy who filled the petrol. Now, the machine is showing both amount and quantity (noticed as other car was getting filled). I asked him how much he put and he said full tank. I asked him will anymore Petrol will go inside, he said NO.

Meantime, other petrol bunk guys gathered around and starting asking me question. I told everyone that I think my car is not full. They said its impossible and starting saying that the car capacity is more than 30ltr I showed them the manual which clearly says 28ltr. I told them if any more petrol went it inside, I will call the police and will go to media.

Hearing that they called the Manager and in front of him they put petrol. Full 3 ltr went inside. No One said anything for sometime. Then they came back saying it was a mistake and didn;t asked for money. Also, I was getting late as I have to travel to Kerala by Car. So just rushed back warning those guys and advised my friends and neighbours not to use the petrol bunk

[Gansan]

During my five year stint at Bangalore, I always filled at the Jalahalli Service Station (IOC). It is not located in Jalahalli, but on the road leading to Mathikere. As you enter the road from ring road, the bunk will be on your right. Never had any issues and the Q&Q was good.

[hrman]

A thread on Bangalore fuel cheating which runs into 14 pages is proof enough that the government needs to do something about rampant short changing at fuel pumps in Bangalore.
I always use Shell. Never faced any problem till date. They calmly ask how much fuel, cash or card. Once the meter is set and dispensing starts, the attendant goes away and minds other cars. You are sure there is no mischief happening. And they always give the print out of fuel dispensed even if you don't ask. I have been having a good experience everytime I filled up at shell. I think we should all shift to Shell wherever possible.Its worth the 7-8 kms you have to drive to reach there. Boycott the govt. fuel pumps to teach them a lesson or two.

[amanmalhotra]

The petrol bunk at the end of Nandi Durg Road (opp Fun World) is horrible as well.
Went there to fill up petrol, and was with a friend. Both of us got out before the attendant could start filling up. Suddenly, one guy walks up to me blocking my view of the display, and asks if I wanted to change the oil!!! Another guy walks up and starts talking to my friend, asking my friend if he needs a credit card.
I am not even shown 0 there. And after the fill, the needle doesn't move as much as what it was supposed to. Obviously, haven't been to that petrol bunk ever since.
Have heard similar stories from other friends as well. So, in short, please avoid this bunk

[condor]

Anyone else here having doubts about the Shell bunk near Wilson Gardens/ Lalbagh ? I am not convinced about the people there, including the boys who fill air. They dont manage the in-flow (sequence) properly either.

Yesterday, the boy filling air didnt even want to try taking the wheel caps off to reach the tube inlet.

[bkishore_77]

Originally Posted by condor

Anyone else here having doubts about the Shell bunk near Wilson Gardens/ Lalbagh ? I am not convinced about the people there, including the boys who fill air. They dont manage the in-flow (sequence) properly either.

Yesterday, the boy filling air didnt even want to try taking the wheel caps off to reach the tube inlet.

Yes. I gave an earful to the person attending the air. At least 2 two wheelers sneaked ahead in the line to get the air filled before me. But the persons manning the petrol seemed honest. They just left the pump in auto cut off mode and started attending other vehicles.

[rohan_iitr]

I always fill petrol in my car from Shell petrol pump on Hosur Road. The experience has always been outstanding.

The attendant will greet you with a Namaskar.

He will then calmly ask you:
1. Nature of fuel (unleaded/premium)
2. Quantity of fuel
3. Payment by cash/card

Only after this, he will enter the amount in Rs/Litres in the machine, then show you the zero reading and will let the dispensing happen unattended.

Finally, he will compulsarily give you a machine printed bill, which mentions the amount of fuel filled and the amount to be paid.

Last, but not the least, he will inform you about the free-of-charge air-pressure-check facility at the pump.

Shell has maintained this kind of immaculate service ever since they started.

This is the reason why I always tank up my car ONLY at Shell petrol pumps, even if it means driving the car an extra 10-15 kms.

For the bike, I visit a nearby IBP petrol pump in Koramangala 6th block. Not the best one, but does the job for me. I generally go early morning or on a weekend when the place has very few customers. It is difficult for the attendants to pull a trick at such a time.

Rohan,
Bangalore

[condor]

Originally Posted by bkishore_77

But the persons manning the petrol seemed honest. They just left the pump in auto cut off mode and started attending other vehicles.

Hope they are ... a Shell bunk attendent not using the auto cut-off mode will stick out like a sore thumb - will be too obvious.

[mjothi]

Originally Posted by rohan_iitr

I always fill petrol in my car from Shell petrol pump on Hosur Road. The experience has always been outstanding.

The attendant will greet you with a Namaskar.

He will then calmly ask you:
1. Nature of fuel (unleaded/premium)
2. Quantity of fuel
3. Payment by cash/card

Only after this, he will enter the amount in Rs/Litres in the machine, then show you the zero reading and will let the dispensing happen unattended.

Finally, he will compulsarily give you a machine printed bill, which mentions the amount of fuel filled and the amount to be paid.

Last, but not the least, he will inform you about the free-of-charge air-pressure-check facility at the pump.

Shell has maintained this kind of immaculate service ever since they started.

This is the reason why I always tank up my car ONLY at Shell petrol pumps, even if it means driving the car an extra 10-15 kms.

Add to that. While filling the tank, if the cost is like Rsxxx.20 or .30 paisa, they round it off to the lower number Yes. Several times I have noticed this, which is a huge diff when compared to the other bumps.

[andescondor]

Originally Posted by andescondor

Yes, I think I shouldn't be in a hurry. And, any ideas about the fuel tank opener?

Revisiting this thread after some time... After I reached the office I realized that I was "hating" the petrol bunk so much that my senses weren't fuctioning normally. .

In the evening when I checked again, I realized that after releasing the fuel tank opener, I was pulling it out without pressing it in (when you press in it automatically releases).

Two lessons I learnt: 1) Don't carry your frustration into the driver's seat. 2) Try not to visit the bunk again.

Cheers.

[Jaggu]

Had a bad experience today at IOC after Manipal Hospital/In front of Diamond district. Went in to tank up the Swift, Petrol out of stock board was placed and the place was deserted. I was about to leave when the boys came out and informed diesel was available.

I have been regular to this pump and was saying hello to one attender when the other asked me how much to put. I okayed full tank, seeing the 0 displayed, continued the chat when the person said done and showing me 300 bucks on the counter. So i told him i wanted full tank and not 300 bucks.

Now the person whom i was chatting took over and from reset started filling up. I know how much my car would take (approx 18-19 liters since it had done 300 kms), but inspite of the first 300 it went to 18 liters. I didnt say anything and went in to swipe and when the guy entered 1000 i stopped and questioned him The first boy informed me that it was the total bill since he had put in 300 bucks earlier.

I just tapped his shoulder and informed him to keep his smart *** trick to himself and charge only 708 bucks, since i know how much my car drinks The second boy spoke just one line in kannada to the first boy and immediately changed the billing to 708 which i paid and walked out.

So i guess how much ever you trust a dealer, you have to keep your eyes and ears open and be smart! And i realized that these fuel gauges which switch off completely, when one shut downs the engine, really doesnt help also. Since one cant show the dealer if the fuel has really gone IN or NOT! With the static ones its easy, since the gauge will climb up, from the last fill mark once we switch ON. Which can be a proof of fill or NO fill or even infer approximately how much fuel went inside the tank, if something like today happens!