Beware of fuel station cheats

This could result in customers not receiving the correct amount of fuel they pay for.

The results of an inspection of 53,180 pumps between last October and this past May showed that 2,236 machines were not working properly, and the department ordered station-owners to repair them immediately.

From the inspection, 24 of 725 pumps at liquefied-petroleum-gas stations were also below standard.

Director-general Yangyong Phuangrach yesterday said his department would continue to inspect equipment at all fuelling stations to determine whether it was functioning properly. Unscrupulous traders will be punished under the Weight Control Act of 1999. Under that law, violators are subject to a maximum fine of Bt6,000 and/or two years' imprisonment.

The department has filed complaints with the police against three operators who allegedly broke the law intentionally.

Yangyong also said his department had also found that some gas-refill stations intentionally failed to fill tanks completely, in order to gain more profit.