HUBBALLI: Are fuel pumps cheating consumers in Hubballi-Dharwad? Several customers have taken to social media such as Facebook and Twitter to bring the matter to the notice of the authorities about the cheating while dispensing petrol and diesel.Though cheating at fuel pumps has been reported across the country, the one that rocked the country were cases reported in Uttar Pradesh where in the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) conducted raids on 11 petrol pumps and discovered the alleged stealing of 50ml of fuel in every litre dispensed to customers by tampering in dispensing units.However, customers in the twin cities have complained about cheating that is happening by distracting the attention of the buyers. They say that the meter is not set to 'zero' before dispensing petrol and diesel. On HubliCity-eGroup, an active Facebook group, several users have complained about the alleged cheating at petrol pumps."I think the petrol fraud is increasing in Hubballi. Today I again experienced it. The petrol station at Vidyanagar, the meter suddenly started from Rs 50. When I question them, the lady at the pump ignored me saying the meter is fast. What should I done to them? Is there any solution for that? (sic)"said a user. Several users have expressed similar experiences in the twin cities."Same thing happened at that pump with me. I asked to fill Rs 1,000 worth petrol. She stopped at Rs 200 when I told her to put for Rs 1,000. As I was attentive, I told her to fill the remaining fuel upto Rs 1,000. Otherwise, she would have stopped at Rs 800, telling me that she put Rs 200 earlier and now stopped at Rs 800. So, Rs 1000 done, (sic)" said another user.Sharing his experience, another user said, "I experienced the same at this petrol bunk. I got filled petrol for Rs 1,000 but it showed only Rs 500 worth petrol. Later the bunk owner said problem was with my car fuel meter which mind you is digital and working perfectly fine."Some users have also suggested precautions such as not opening petrol tank cap till the pump operators set 'zero' on the meter and prevent such 'scam.' Some also suggested getting petrol at odd amounts like for Rs 115 and Rs 210.Ninad Deore, assistant sales manager with an oil company, admitted that several people have informed him about the fraud. "Most of the complaints were without proof but regarding operators not setting 'zero' in the meter. We are conducting inspections periodically and even checking the quality of fuel. Automation is in progress and will prevent such fraud and ensure transparency. The consumers can also write their complaint in registers kept at petrol pumps. We have also instructed pump operators to install CCTV cameras to prevent such fraud," he said.

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