In a major consumer protection crackdown, officials of the Rajasthan state consumer affairs department conducted surprise inspections at petrol pumps across seven districts on Sunday, seizing or sealing 43 defective fuel nozzles at 25 outlets for short delivery of fuel.
Short Delivery Details
Officials reported that several pumps were dispensing 30ml to 60ml less fuel for every five litres sold. Although the shortage appeared minor per transaction, the high daily sales volume meant consumers were collectively suffering losses worth lakhs of rupees every month.
Minister's Statement
Consumer affairs minister Sumit Godara stated that the department is committed to protecting consumer interests and will continue surprise inspections in the future. "The campaign aims to provide direct relief to common consumers while increasing accountability among petrol pump operators," he said.
Estimated Losses
Officials estimated that the 25 petrol pumps together were causing losses of around Rs 4 lakh per month to consumers.
District-Wise Action
- Nagaur: Highest action with 11 nozzles at four petrol pumps sealed.
- Sirohi: Nine nozzles at seven petrol pumps sealed.
- Alwar: Five nozzles at one petrol pump sealed.
- Bhilwara: Four nozzles at three petrol pumps sealed.
- Pali: Five nozzles at four petrol pumps seized.
- Sikar: Four nozzles at one petrol pump seized.
- Jaisalmer: Five nozzles at four petrol pumps seized.
Penalties Imposed
The department imposed a total fine of Rs 63,500 on petrol pumps found violating norms.
Godara warned, "Strict action will be taken against anyone cheating consumers. Irregularities at any level will not be tolerated."
Consumer Advisory
Issued by the state consumer affairs department:
- Keep an eye on the meter reading while refuelling.
- Ask for the mandatory 5-litre test measure to verify fuel quantity.
- Immediately report suspected short delivery to the legal metrology department.
- Always collect a receipt after refuelling.
- Stay alert during rush hours and avoid hurried transactions.
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About the Author
Arpit Basu, with more than one-and-a-half decade's experience in print and digital media, has reported on aviation, transport, crime, civic and human interests issues. His sting operation on how precious Aviation Turbine Fuel, meant for Kolkata airport, was pilfered and sold in the local market as 'white kerosene' received widespread acclaim. Arpit received a letter of appreciation for reporting during the Phalin cyclone in Odisha in 2013 and has also received training from Google and Facebook on fact-checking.
