Raj cracks down fuel fraud, seals 43 defective nozzles at 25 petrol pumps

Jaipur: In a major consumer protection crackdown, officials of the state consumer affairs dept Sunday carried out surprise inspections at petrol pumps across seven districts and seized or sealed 43 defective fuel nozzles at 25 outlets for short delivery of fuel.Officials said several pumps were dispensing 30ml to 60ml less fuel for every five litres sold. Though the shortage appeared minor per transaction, the high daily sales volume meant consumers were collectively suffering losses worth lakhs of rupees every month.Consumer affairs minister Sumit Godara said the dept was committed to protecting consumer interests and would continue surprise inspections in future. “The campaign aims to provide direct relief to common consumers while increasing accountability among petrol pump operators,” he said.Officials estimated that the 25 petrol pumps together were causing losses of around Rs 4 lakh per month to consumers.Nagaur recorded the highest action, with 11 nozzles at four petrol pumps sealed. In Sirohi, nine nozzles at seven petrol pumps were sealed. Alwar saw five nozzles at one petrol pump sealed, while Bhilwara recorded four nozzles sealed at three petrol pumps.In Pali, five nozzles at four petrol pumps were seized. Sikar reported four nozzles seized at one petrol pump, while Jaisalmer saw five nozzles seized at four petrol pumps.The dept imposed a total fine of Rs 63,500 on petrol pumps found violating norms.“Strict action will be taken against anyone cheating consumers. Irregularities at any level will not be tolerated,” Godara warned.FOR GPHX IF NEEDEDADVISORY FOR CONSUMERSKeep an eye on the meter reading while refuellingAsk for the mandatory 5-litre test measure to verify fuel quantityImmediately report suspected short delivery to the legal metrology departmentAlways collect a receipt after refuellingStay alert during rush hours and avoid hurried transactions— Issued by state consumer affairs dept