Poor service at pump fuels public debate

Phil Fewings, 82, was refused assistance at Mobil in St Heliers. Photo / Sarah Ivey

Herald readers have shared their experiences of customer service in response to the treatment of 82-year-old Phil Fewings at an Auckland petrol station. The arthritis sufferer was denied help pumping petrol at Mobil Clearview in St Heliers Bay Rd on Sunday.

The word "service" does not seem to apply these days when it comes to petrol suppliers. Ngairene

My 86-year old mother has often had to struggle filling her petrol tank, and one day had trouble getting the hand piece back on its cradle. On this occasion, at BP Lake Rd in Takapuna, she went to pay, and was told she had not replaced the pump nozzle correctly, which she was unaware of. The cashier insisted she return to the courtyard and correctly cradle it, before she could pay.
Sam

I was denied help at the Mt Wellington petrol station on the corner of Penrose Rd and Mt Wellington Highway. I biked and live in that area. I biked one day there to pump up my bike tyres; the attendant I asked for help from wasn't going to assist me at first and made the comment that it was because I wasn't buying petrol.
Sonja Kato

This is very shameful. Yesterday I poured gas for a man who was out driving with only one leg on, I also processed his Eftpos transaction for him.
Naomi Glxa66

My mum aged 86 and dad aged 91 refuse to go to this service station, Mobil on St Heliers Bay Rd. My mum also was refused help in filling her car with petrol.
Alison Kirk

A few years back I had an extremely bad back. I went to the BP station in Orewa, put my own fuel in and walked painfully into the store. The guy serving me told me I hadn't hung up the pump properly so I explained my problem and asked him if he could get someone to do it. He flatly refused and watched me limp out and back.
Robyn Boswell

I would just like to give the thumbs-up to the Challenge Pukekohe petrol station owner and his staff who always come out, fill up your car and are always more than happy to do so; it is the reason why though they may be small, they are busy all the time.
Nicki Ingle

The Gardens Mobil at Manurewa is the only station I know of that actually has an attendant to fill your car for you. Fantastic service.
Shelley Grayson

Young males on staff always offer to help attractive young women; so, pull in near a young woman customer and when staff member asks her 'can I help?' just pretend the question was for you and bellow 'Yes please, nice of you to ask'.
Paul Hurley