petrol scams

Buying Petrol

Modi declared that “henceforth petrol bunks would accept credit cards for payment “ and I was very happy. Previously in the small smart town of Vellore you had to move your car to one side, avoid being bit by two wheelers, go into an office and swipe the card. Now all the attenders had a device with them! Added incentive you received some money back.

The attenders at the bunks were unhappy. Swiped bills meant no more “adjustments” were possible. Especially in taxis and other non owner driven vehicles, they asked if “you really want the bill?’ and sometimes “how much shall I write on the bill?”

I don’t know who was skimming. The workers or the owners.

I always put petrol in a particular bunk. It comes up on the left side, on the highway before the turning to my house. It is very convenient. For the last three months they have been saying, “the credit card machine is broken.”

This week I hoped the machine was repaired and went to put petrol.

“No machine, said the man , “cash only.”

There was no manager in the office and no telephone numbers for complaints.

“I don’t have enough cash,” I said.

“Go to the ATM” said the attendant.

Two young men loitering on a motor cycle immediately lifted their heads and looked at me with great interest.

The ATM was further down the road , it was already dark. The security guard frequently left the place after tying his cow across the entrance. (After all, you cannot beat the cow, it is more precious than humans).

I thought  (in my mind by now they were thugs), they  would follow me to the ATM, demand my pin no, beat me or worse.

After counting all my money and change I produced Rs 1500/. I filled the tank.

The man in front of me had put Rs 200 worth of petrol. The attendant did not reset to zero but started filling.

I shouted . “Stop, stop.”He ignored me .

I shouted louder.

Then he said “okay I will put petrol for Rs 1700. You pay me Rs 1500.”

He gave me a bill fro Rs 1500. The meter clearly showed Rs 1700.

As I was leaving a man came with a 2 liter bottle.

“I always buy 2 liters”, he said, “then they can’t cheat me. The bottle has to be full.”

All this skull drudgery seems to be  an accepted way of life!

I complained bitterly to my son. He sent me link to the website of the company. I complained. They promptly called back and promised action.

Let us see. Words and empty promises are easy.

http://velloretimes.blogspot.in/