Vehicle owners allege ‘short fuelling’ at petrol pumps amid long queues in Gujarat

Amid the frequent petrol and diesel price hikes, allegations of ‘short fuelling’ by petrol pump operators have now surfaced, adding to the woes of already frustrated vehicle owners. Even as common citizens have to stand in long queues for fuel, consumers have alleged that pumps are delivering less fuel than what customers are paying for.

Over the past week, fuel shortage-related chaos has intensified across Kutch, Saurashtra and North Gujarat. Boards displaying ‘No Petrol’ and ‘No Diesel’ are a common sight at fuel stations, while two-wheeler riders, car owners and truck drivers have to move from one petrol pump to another for fuel.

Amid the crisis, questions are being raised over the functioning of the Legal Metrology and Weights & Measures Department, which is responsible for ensuring accurate fuel delivery and protecting consumer interests.

Consumers and activists allege that despite widespread complaints of short delivery, very little action has been taken against petrol pumps involved in malpractice.

Vehicle owners are now facing a double burden. On one hand, petrol and diesel prices continue to rise almost daily, while on the other hand, allegations of under-delivery at fuel stations have triggered anger among consumers.

Sources claim that the verification work at petrol, diesel, and CNG stations is now increasingly being handed over to government-approved private agencies. While the move is being seen as an attempt to reduce ‘inspector raj’, concerns are also being raised over whether private agencies would act independently or favour petrol pump operators.

Despite repeated complaints and public outrage, authorities are yet to launch any major crackdown against pumps allegedly involved in short delivery practices.