What to Do If a Petrol Pump Overcharges You or Gives Short Measure

Most petrol pumps sell honestly, but a few overcharge or deliver less than you pay for. Because fuel is bought quickly and in small amounts, many people never notice. This guide explains how to check at the pump, what to record if something looks wrong, and where to take a complaint.

Know the price before you go

Petrol and diesel carry a single notified price across Pakistan, so the same figure should appear on pump boards in every city. Before you fill up, compare the board with the latest price in our price table and check the effective date. Hi-Octane is different, because the oil marketing companies quote it city by city, so allow for a difference there.

Old notifications are often forwarded as if they were new. If the board and the table disagree, check the date first before assuming the pump is wrong.

Before fuelling starts

• Say clearly whether you want a fixed amount in rupees or a full tank, and watch that the attendant sets it correctly.
• Check that the meter shows zero for both the amount and the litres before the nozzle goes in.
• Check the price per litre on the dispenser display matches the board.

During and after fuelling

• Stay where you can see the meter until the nozzle is removed.
• Check that the final amount matches the rupees you asked for, and that litres multiplied by the price per litre gives the same amount.
• Ask for a receipt. It records the time, the pump and the quantity, which you may need later.

If you are unsure about the arithmetic, use the fill-up calculator on our home page. Enter the rupees you paid and it shows the litres you should have received at that price.

Quality problems

If the vehicle starts running badly, knocks or stalls soon after refuelling, the fuel may be contaminated. Do not keep driving on it for long. Keep your receipt, note the pump and the time, and have a workshop check the fuel before you assume the engine is at fault.

What to record if something is wrong

A specific, dated complaint is much easier to act on than a general one. Write down, or photograph:

• the name and address of the pump and the company brand;
• the date, the time and the dispenser number;
• the price shown on the board and on the dispenser;
• the amount you paid and the litres you received;
• your receipt, if you were given one.

Stay calm and polite at the pump. A photograph taken openly of the board and the display is usually enough, and it avoids an argument.

Who to report to

• The pump manager first. Many problems are mistakes, and a manager can correct them on the spot.
• The oil marketing company. Branded pumps usually display a complaint contact for the company that supplies them.
• OGRA. The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority handles complaints about overcharging and retail conduct. Check its official website for the current complaint procedure.
• Your district administration. Local officials can inspect pumps and act on price and measurement complaints.

Relief Petrol is an independent information site and cannot take or resolve complaints for you. We recommend using the official channels above.

A few good habits

Prefer busy, licensed stations, because high turnover means fresher fuel and licensed pumps can be inspected. Avoid loose petrol sold from bottles at the roadside, since its quality is unknown and storing it that way is a fire risk. To learn more about how prices are built and what to expect, read our complete guide to fuel prices in Pakistan, and see how to calculate your monthly fuel cost to know what you should be paying.