Petrol pump fined for cheating customers

The Legal Metrology Department (LMD) imposed a fine of Rs 50,000 on a petrol pump located on the National Highway in Anantnag after it was found that the nozzle was delivering deficient fuel to customers, about 35 ml less for every 5 litres.

During a surprise inspection, officials discovered that the display panel on the dispensing unit, which showed the quantity of fuel being delivered, did not match the actual amount dispensed. The inspection resulted in the seizure of the faulty nozzle.

The petrol pump owner requested a compounding of the offence at the departmental level, following which the case was compounded under Section 48 of the Legal Metrology Act, 2009, as stated by LMD Anantnag.

This action is part of a series of measures taken by the department against petrol pumps in recent times. LMD has advised consumers to stay vigilant and protect their rights when visiting petrol pumps.

Consumers are encouraged to independently verify fuel delivery by using a verified 5-litre conical measure, which is required to be kept at every petrol pump. It is the responsibility of petrol pump management to allow consumers to check the delivery of fuel.