KOCHI: The Legal Metrology Department has warned the public to remain on high alert against attempts by unscrupulous petrol pump owners trying to make a quick buck by overcharging customers for fuel sold through the respective outlets. Though the department has been receiving numerous complaints from consumers in this regard, the warning was issued after a petrol station at Kalady here was caught in the act.
Legal Metrology Central Zone Controller, R Ram Mohan said the pump at Kalady got away in the past since the public was not aware of the exact price of fuel . “Petrol which cost Rs 79.45 per litre was sold for Rs 79.64 and diesel which cost Rs 72.38 per litre was charged Rs 72.51. Though the amount appears negligible, cumulatively the pump owner was raking in a huge sum as profit through overcharging,” he said.
A fine will be imposed on the pump owner under Section 30 of Legal Metrology Act. If the offence is repeated, legal proceedings will be initiated, according to Ram Mohan.Since the price of petrol and diesel changes on a daily and weekly basis, the consumers fail to keep track of the exact price on a given day. “Often people racing against the clock do not bother to check the original price. The phone number and dealer code are displayed at the petrol stations. The consumers can receive the exact price by sending an SMS to the number,” the Legal Metrology officer said.
Following information about overpricing, Legal Metrology squads are constantly maintaining vigil and surprise checks are being conducted. “On Friday we conducted checks at 14 petrol pumps under our zone. However, if the consumers are a little more vigilant, overcharging can be curtailed to a great extent,” Ram Mohan said.