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Fuel scams are rising across India, costing drivers money and causing vehicle damage. Watch for these warning signs:
Stay safe by:
Remember: A few seconds of caution prevents expensive repairs later!
Learn how to spot and avoid fuel scams with these simple tips from the Safe Station community
Safe Station Team
March 1, 2025 • 8 min read
Picture this: You're running late for work, your fuel gauge is flashing, and you pull into the nearest petrol pump. You pay, fill up, and zoom off. But two days later, your engine starts making weird noises. What happened?
Sadly, fuel scams are more common than we'd like to think. In cities like Delhi, Faridabad, and across Haryana, drivers report being cheated in several ways:
The numbers speak for themselves:
Last year, over 1,200 complaints were filed about fuel scams across major Indian cities. That's just the reported ones!
Let's be fuel-smart! Here are some easy-to-spot red flags that might save you from a scam:
If a station is charging much less than all the others nearby—ask yourself why! Quality fuel costs money to produce and distribute.
Always check that the meter reads zero before fueling begins. If it jumps or starts running before fuel flows, speak up!
Good service isn't rushed. If someone's trying to rush or distract you during fueling, they might be trying to hide something.
Legitimate fuel stations proudly display their brand (like IndianOil, BPCL, HP). Be extra careful at stations with faded logos or confusing branding.
Let's not sugarcoat it—fuel scams do real damage:
The average scam costs drivers between ₹200-500 per fill-up. That adds up fast!
Bad fuel can damage your engine, fuel lines, and injectors—leading to repair bills in the thousands.
Breaking down because of poor fuel means lost hours, stress, and unexpected towing expenses.
One driver from Faridabad told us: "I saved ₹50 by going to a cheaper pump, but ended up spending ₹8,000 on engine repairs the next week. Not worth it!"
Good news! Protecting yourself isn't complicated:
Good petrol or diesel should be clear and free from particles. Many stations have testing jars available—don't be shy to ask for a quality check!
Before fueling starts, confirm the meter is at zero. A quick glance can save you money!
Even for small amounts, always ask for a receipt. This gives you proof if you need to file a complaint later.
Use apps like Safe Station where real drivers share their experiences. When 300 people say a station is trustworthy, that's valuable information!
We built Safe Station because we were tired of worrying about fuel scams. Our app helps you:
Think of it as your fuel buddy—always looking out for you!
Already been hit by a scam? Don't worry, take these steps:
Staying safe at the pump isn't about being paranoid—it's about being smart. Using community-powered tools like Safe Station helps everyone drive with confidence.
Remember: a few seconds of caution can save you days of car trouble!
Have you ever experienced a fuel scam? Share your story in the comments below to help other drivers stay alert!
Join our community of 15,000+ drivers protecting each other from fuel scams
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