Beware of Petrol Pump Tricks: How the ‘2-3-5 Theory’ Can Protect You from Being Cheated

Consumers urged to follow simple tips to avoid fuel fraud at petrol pumps and ensure transparency in every refill.

Many vehicle owners routinely stop at petrol or diesel pumps before heading to work, assuming their fuel transactions are safe. However, experts warn that merely checking if the meter is at zero before starting a refill is not enough.

Fraudulent practices at petrol pumps continue, with some staff employing subtle tricks to mislead customers. For instance, a meter may appear to start from zero but actually pauses for a few rupees before beginning the fuel flow, making it easy for consumers to be unknowingly overcharged.

A common method involves pre-setting the machine for a certain amount, so customers who request fuel worth ₹100, ₹200, or ₹500 may not receive the exact quan