Former Fuel Attendant Exposes Alleged Tactics Used to Cheat Customers.

In a revealing interview with KayB Media, Emmanuel Eshun, a former fuel station worker, has brought to light some concerning practices allegedly employed by fuel pump attendants to deceive customers and management. Emmanuel, who started working at the station shortly after completing Senior High School in 2012, shared his experience and insights into this unethical system.

A Startling First Day.

Emmanuel recounted his first day on the job, when his supervisor handed him GH$20, which he initially thought was a bonus for good performance. However, he soon discovered that this was part of a larger scheme involving the manipulation of fuel dispensers.

Manipulation of Fuel Dispensers.

According to Emmanuel, most of the fuel dispensers at the station were adjusted to display prices higher than the regulated rates, except for one that remained unaltered. This setup enabled the staff to direct informed customers to the correct pump, while those less aware were sent to the manipulated ones.

The Cover-Up.

Each morning, supervisors allegedly tampered with the dispensers, covering parts of the machine with stickers from the Ghana Standard Authority. These stickers obscured the unit price, making it challenging for customers to determine the actual cost per litre. Emmanuel explained, "When we cover it, you won't really know. All you'll see is the fuel amount. If you buy GH$500, the amount is what will show as sold, but the actual litres won't match what you paid for.

Personal Gain.

Once Emmanuel understood the system, he admitted to taking advantage of it to earn extra income. He claimed he could make an additional GH$4,000 or more in a day, particularly when serving heavy-duty vehicles. Although saloon cars and "trotro" vehicles generated smaller gains, they were still significant.

Awareness Among Drivers.

Despite these deceptive practices, Emmanuel noted that commercial drivers, especially "trotro" operators, were sometimes quick to detect discrepancies due to their familiarity with their vehicles' fuel consumption patterns. When they noticed that their fuel did not last as expected, they often returned to confront attendants, resulting in disputes and accusations.

Advice for Customers.

The interviewer used the opportunity to advise drivers to be vigilant by checking the unit price displayed on the fuel station's main signboard before buying fuel. Customers should be wary if the unit price does not match what is shown on the dispenser or if the unit price is covered, and they should avoid purchasing fuel from such stations.

Emmanuel’s disclosure serves as a cautionary tale for consumers, emphasizing the importance of staying informed and vigilant when purchasing fuel to avoid falling victim to such deceptive practices.