When I fuel up my car I notice a distinct difference in the timing of when the petrol stops pumping depending on the different gas stations. For example, at one outlet the petrol pumps right to the moment the gauge registers the amount of money I'm spending. At others the petrol stops pouring at around $1 (I've even had it happen at nearly $2) before the amount is reached on the gauge.
Am I getting the full amount of petrol I've paid for at these stations where the pump "stops short"? Do I need to stand there waiting for the "money gauge" to finish after I can hear the pump has stopped working? Judy Lawley, Glen Eden.
If you have paid for a certain amount of goods you have every right to expect that that is what you will receive.
But the Ministry of Consumer Affairs is ahead of you here. They test up to 400 fuel pumps every year to ensure that the correct amount of fuel is discharged for the amount paid for.
In one case, a petrol station was over-pouring the petrol by less than 0.5 per cent, which doesn't sound like much, but the inaccuracy amounted to $1.8 million worth of petrol being given away each year.
To answer your questions, yes, you are getting your full amount of petrol. And yes, you should stand there and wait for the money gauge to finish, so that you can be sure that you're getting your full amount.
But, if you remain unconvinced, you could pump in, say, 20 litres, and then go to the counter and pay for that.
You should always check that the scale on the petrol pump is on zero before you start pumping.
Still not satisfied? If you think you have been sold a short amount, you can tell the seller you believe they have sold you short measure.
And you can check to see whether the petrol pump has a current certificate of accuracy.
Certificates for scales and pumps are guaranteed by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs.
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