Reports from Roskachestvo’s consumer protection team reveal how some gas stations exploit customers. The findings show that dishonest station workers may shortfill fuel, a trick that often goes unnoticed by buyers. In today’s digital landscape, some shops rely on custom software that can be misused to create gaps between what is paid for and what is delivered. Customers, focused on getting fuel, rarely detect the difference, especially when it happens subtly and over time.
At many large stations, fueling operations are monitored by computerized systems. That makes it possible for a motivated insider to install or alter software to reduce the amount dispensed. In practice, managers may invite qualified-looking IT staff who reprogram electronics so that the pump delivers less fuel than advertised. The malicious program can be crafted to appear legitimate, complicating detection.
The control software is often managed from a remote server. When a shift begins, the operators at the register enter a specific set of commands to activate the scheme and, after the shift ends, deactivate it. The software is designed to erase its tracks, leaving little obvious evidence behind. This combination of remote control and self-cleaning traces makes underfilling harder to spot for everyday customers.
What complicates matters is that the shortfall can be small enough to escape notice. A customer might end up paying for 100 units of fuel but only receiving 93 to 97 units. In many cases, the discrepancy is not dramatic, but over multiple refuels it adds up. The impact is felt not just at the pump but in household budgets and overall trust in fuel retailers.
To reduce risk, shoppers are encouraged to refuel at reputable, well-known stations and to stay alert for signs of tampering. Customers should compare pump readings with the amount shown on receipts and, if in doubt, request to view the fuel meter at the nozzle or pump. Keeping an eye on the total purchased quantity and the price per liter or gallon can help catch inconsistencies early. If irregularities are suspected, it is wise to report them to consumer protection authorities or the station management for a formal inspection. Maintaining a level of skepticism toward unusual price fluctuations or unexpected gaps in fuel quantity is a prudent habit for every motorist.
Readers can learn about other fraud schemes in the article “We were told about the methods of deception at petrol stations. Don’t get caught!”