BajaNomad

Ripping me off at the gas pump???

EnsenadaDr - 1-11-2012 at 07:07 AM

Yesterday, I stopped for gas at an Oxxo/Pemex gasolinera, about 2 miles from Maneadero, and asked for $20 American in gas. The attendant pumped the gas, and wiped the windshield. After he pumped the gas, I saw the amount on the readout on the pump, which said, 222.43. I asked him in Spanish, "What is your exchange rate today??" He looked at me appearing confused and said, "What??" I repeated the question, and still he appeared befuddled. I asked for the manager, whose name was Mario. I asked Mario the same question. He answered, "13.4" which would have made the correct amount in pesos for my gas purchase to be 268.00. More than 40.00 pesos difference!!! Mario asked the guy why he pumped less, and he said, "No entiendo Ingles". I told the guy 20 dolares in Spanish...anyways, Mario made him pump the difference...BUYERS BEWARE!!!

Marc - 1-11-2012 at 07:18 AM

I carry $USD as a backup, but I always do business in Mexico with coin of the realm.

woody with a view - 1-11-2012 at 07:24 AM

good catch. maybe he considered it his tip for washing your window which you neglected to give him?

Neglected tip??

EnsenadaDr - 1-11-2012 at 07:26 AM

Now Woody, I ALWAYS give my window washers 2 pesos for washing my windows...5 on Christmas!!!
Quote:
Originally posted by woody with a view
good catch. maybe he considered it his tip for washing your window which you neglected to give him?

SFandH - 1-11-2012 at 07:33 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by EnsenadaDr
..anyways, Mario made him pump the difference...BUYERS BEWARE!!!


You probably still got shorted because PEMEX liters are smaller than liters elsewhere. But I think most people know that.

This past trip it consistently took 22 liters to fill my gas can that I use for boat fuel to the 20 liter mark. So when you convert the cost of gas in Mexico to dollars/gallon, don't forget to add 10% to account for the "PEMEX liter" volumetric tax. It's the Mexican way, instead of raising the price per liter, they shrink the size of the liter - same result but with less consumer dissatisfaction. ;D

[Edited on 1-11-2012 by SFandH]

aguachico - 1-11-2012 at 07:54 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by SFandH
You probably still got shorted because PEMEX liters are smaller than liters elsewhere. But I think most people know that.

This past trip it consistently took 22 liters to fill my gas can that I use for boat fuel to the 20 liter mark. So when you convert the cost of gas in Mexico to dollars/gallon, don't forget to add 10% to account for the "PEMEX liter" volumetric tax. It's the Mexican way, instead of raising the price per liter, they shrink the size of the liter - same result but with less consumer dissatisfaction. ;D



Is this reduction of liter documented and controlled by Pemex, urban legend or just the stations way of ripping off the customer?

There's a Pemex on Casa Blanca TJ that people lineup 20 cars deep to pump gas. I asked the chapis why is this? She said it's because they give you the entire liter. I thought she was loca and brushed it off. For two years I've watched this and it hasn't let up.

Last week I needed a tank full of diesel and didn't have pesos. I had plenty of USD and normally the rate is really good for dollars along the border 13.5 on average now. I pulled into the new Pemex at La Salina/Mision. The posted rate was 13.05 - ratas! So I for the first time I used my ATM card at a PEMEX. Checked the bank account the rate was 13.7 - yeah baby.

ALWAYS

bajaguy - 1-11-2012 at 08:20 AM

Deal in Pesos when in Baja

msteve1014 - 1-11-2012 at 08:23 AM

That depends on the station. Last week I had my extra tank filled at 2 differant places. They both got 93 L in, right to the top. 24 gallons is what it will take in the states. No rip off here.
Quote:
Originally posted by SFandH
Quote:
Originally posted by EnsenadaDr
..anyways, Mario made him pump the difference...BUYERS BEWARE!!!


You probably still got shorted because PEMEX liters are smaller than liters elsewhere. But I think most people know that.

This past trip it consistently took 22 liters to fill my gas can that I use for boat fuel to the 20 liter mark. So when you convert the cost of gas in Mexico to dollars/gallon, don't forget to add 10% to account for the "PEMEX liter" volumetric tax. It's the Mexican way, instead of raising the price per liter, they shrink the size of the liter - same result but with less consumer dissatisfaction. ;D

[Edited on 1-11-2012 by SFandH]

Bob and Susan - 1-11-2012 at 08:27 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by SFandH
You probably still got shorted because PEMEX liters are smaller than liters elsewhere. But I think most people know that.

This past trip it consistently took 22 liters to fill my gas can that I use for boat fuel to the 20 liter mark. So when you convert the cost of gas in Mexico to dollars/gallon, don't forget to add 10% to account for the "PEMEX liter" volumetric tax. It's the Mexican way, instead of raising the price per liter, they shrink the size of the liter - same result but with less consumer dissatisfaction. ;D


prove it...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DbYEtyjVnPY
i hate to repost but it is what it is...

as for the ATM...
beware there ARE fees
you wont get the post rate!!!

i get money all the time out of an ATM

Bob and Susan - 1-11-2012 at 08:31 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by EnsenadaDr
Yesterday, I stopped for gas at an Oxxo/Pemex gasolinera, about 2 miles from Maneadero, and asked for $20 American in gas. The attendant pumped the gas, and wiped the windshield. After he pumped the gas, I saw the amount on the readout on the pump, which said, 222.43. I asked him in Spanish, "What is your exchange rate today??" He looked at me appearing confused and said, "What??" I repeated the question, and still he appeared befuddled. I asked for the manager, whose name was Mario. I asked Mario the same question. He answered, "13.4" which would have made the correct amount in pesos for my gas purchase to be 268.00. More than 40.00 pesos difference!!! Mario asked the guy why he pumped less, and he said, "No entiendo Ingles". I told the guy 20 dolares in Spanish...anyways, Mario made him pump the difference...BUYERS BEWARE!!!



your fault...you're a doctor!!!

you should have worked out the amount in pesos BEFORE he started the pump...

Barry A. - 1-11-2012 at 09:43 AM

I have noticed that my "6 gallon" boat tanks consistantly take more than "6 gallons" when I fill them to the top here in the USA. I always figured I was over-filling them beyond design or recommended limits.

There are lots of variables--------

Barry

SFandH - 1-11-2012 at 10:05 AM

The gas container I have is a new plastic one. It has both 5 gallon and 20 liter lines indented in the plastic. At the PEMEX south of Mulege it took 22 liters to fill to the 20 liter mark.

I noticed when I asked the attendant for 20 liters of gas. The pump stopped at exactly 20 liters and the gas was not up to the 20 liter line. I asked him to fill it to the line and it took 2 more liters. Either the pump was mis-calibrated or my container has the 20 liter mark in the wrong place.

Bob and Susan - 1-11-2012 at 10:11 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by SFandH
The gas container I have is a new plastic one. It has both 5 gallon and 20 liter lines indented in the plastic. At the PEMEX south of Mulege it took 22 liters to fill to the 20 liter mark.

I noticed when I asked the attendant for 20 liters of gas. The pump stopped at exactly 20 liters and the gas was not up to the 20 liter line. I asked him to fill it to the line and it took 2 more liters. Either the pump was mis-calibrated or my container has the 20 liter mark in the wrong place.



soooo...did you check your gas container for accuracy?

again...prove it...i did

this is how "stories and myths" continue...fools

durrelllrobert - 1-11-2012 at 10:21 AM

Quote:
Quote:
Originally posted by msteve1014
That depends on the station. Last week I had my extra tank filled at 2 differant places. They both got 93 L in, right to the top. 24 gallons is what it will take in the states. No rip off here.
[Edited on 1-11-2012 by SFandH]


let's see if I have this right:
1US liquid gallon = 3.785411 Mexican litros; so 24 gal x 3.785411 litros/ gal = 90.85 litros but you got 93 instead? Wow, only 2.4% error. That is some kinda bargin :lol::lol:


[Edited on 1-11-2012 by durrelllrobert]

[Edited on 1-11-2012 by durrelllrobert]

Bajatripper - 1-11-2012 at 10:49 AM

Quote:
soooo...did you check your gas container for accuracy?

again...prove it...i did

this is how "stories and myths" continue...fools



Sooooo...Bob and Susan, you are going to argue for--indeed, defend--the accuracy of Pemex gas pumps? Who's the fool here?

sanquintinsince73 - 1-11-2012 at 10:56 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by EnsenadaDr
Now Woody, I ALWAYS give my window washers 2 pesos for washing my windows...5 on Christmas!!!
Quote:
Originally posted by woody with a view
good catch. maybe he considered it his tip for washing your window which you neglected to give him?


Two whole pesos? Big spender. We covered this here before but a lot of these guys do not draw a salary, their salary are the tips that they receive from us.

Woooosh - 1-11-2012 at 10:58 AM

I keep getting legal mailings from COSTCO about their gas stations shorting people due to the higher temperature of the below ground storage tanks. A class action lawsuit is working its way through the courts. Not just a Mexico problem.

willardguy - 1-11-2012 at 11:02 AM

just last week I put 14 1/2 gallons into my 12 1/2 gallon gas tank, and wasnt even close to empty. this was at the arco on la tijera by LAX. so its not just mexico, we just watch closer there.

msteve1014 - 1-11-2012 at 11:15 AM

Quote:
Let me see if I got this right. You think that a 24 gallon tank will get filled to with in a half a gallon of full every time by every person that fills it.:o


Quote:
Originally posted by durrelllrobert
Quote:
Originally posted by msteve1014
That depends on the station. Last week I had my extra tank filled at 2 differant places. They both got 93 L in, right to the top. 24 gallons is what it will take in the states. No rip off here.
[Edited on 1-11-2012 by SFandH]


let's see if I have this right:
1US liquid gallon = 3.785411 Mexican litros; so 24 gal x 3.785411 litros/ gal = 90.85 litros but you got 93 instead? Wow, only 2.4% error. That is some kinda bargin :lol::lol:


[Edited on 1-11-2012 by durrelllrobert]

[Edited on 1-11-2012 by durrelllrobert]

TMW - 1-11-2012 at 11:17 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Woooosh
I keep getting legal mailings from COSTCO about their gas stations shorting people due to the higher temperature of the below ground storage tanks. A class action lawsuit is working its way through the courts. Not just a Mexico problem.


As far as I know all gas station tanks are below ground so they all should be at or near the same temperature for a given area. A lot of people think that filling up in the morning will give them more gas since they think the gas will be colder but one of the magazines, Popular Mechanics or Consumers Reports or maybe another, did some testing and said that was not true. They said the gas in the below ground tank stays pretty constant year round. Now maybe when the gas comes out of the delivery tanker it's warmer so maybe buying gas right after the tanker was there should be avoided.

durrelllrobert - 1-11-2012 at 11:31 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Woooosh
I keep getting legal mailings from COSTCO about their gas stations shorting people due to the higher temperature of the below ground storage tanks. A class action lawsuit is working its way through the courts. Not just a Mexico problem.


FROM:www.turndownhotfuel.com/myths.html
Hot Fuel Myths & Facts

MYTH: Fill up in the morning when it’s cooler.
FACT: 35,000-gallon tanks do not dramatically change temperature in daily cycles.


MYTH: In-ground tanks at gas stations keep fuel at 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
FACT: The insulated, fiberglass tanks tend to keep fuel at the temperature it was delivered… for a long time. Also, larger retailers turn over fuel supplies very rapidly, greatly reducing the time the fuel spends in the tanks. Ask a station attendant for the automatic gauging meter report. It will tell you the temperature of the fuel in the underground tanks.


MYTH: Temperature only causes tablespoons of difference in amount of fuel delivered.
FACT: A 25-gallon fill-up of 75 degree F gasoline equates to a loss of nearly one quart. The same fill-up at 90 degrees F equates to nearly a half gallon.


MYTH: Fuel expands and contracts in a truck’s tanks, so there shouldn't be a problem, right?
FACT: The only point that fuel temperature expansion and contraction have an impact on the wallet is at the retail pump.


MYTH: Cold winter fuel offsets warm summer fuel, so it’s an even trade off over the long term.
FACT: Statistics show this is not the case. Consumer losses are ten times greater in warmer states than consumer gains in cool states.


MYTH: With temperature compensation, the consumer will rarely receive an actual gallon of fuel.
FACT: Consumers will receive equivalent BTUs per gallon with temperature compensation, and can shop by price.


MYTH: 90 percent of fuel retailers are small “mom and pop” operations.
FACT: Several large oil production companies and refiners own 25 percent of the stations that sell their brand fuel.


MYTH: The cost to retro-fit the pumps will far outweigh the benefit to the consumers.
FACT: It's a one-time cost of doing business, and retailers regularly replace pumps already.


MYTH: The cost of retro-fitting the pumps will raise the price of fuel for all consumers.
FACT: Consumers have suffered the burden of hot fuel sales for decades. Once the problem is fixed they will reap the benefits for future decades.
THIS HAS ALREADY BEEN DONE IN CANADA

you are right...

EnsenadaDr - 1-11-2012 at 11:58 AM

I am a doctor, but money is not what I deal in, but I should have performed a physical exam on the gas attendant as he clearly had some type of problem figuring out a basic part of his job!!
Quote:
Originally posted by Bob and Susan
Quote:
Originally posted by EnsenadaDr
Yesterday, I stopped for gas at an Oxxo/Pemex gasolinera, about 2 miles from Maneadero, and asked for $20 American in gas. The attendant pumped the gas, and wiped the windshield. After he pumped the gas, I saw the amount on the readout on the pump, which said, 222.43. I asked him in Spanish, "What is your exchange rate today??" He looked at me appearing confused and said, "What??" I repeated the question, and still he appeared befuddled. I asked for the manager, whose name was Mario. I asked Mario the same question. He answered, "13.4" which would have made the correct amount in pesos for my gas purchase to be 268.00. More than 40.00 pesos difference!!! Mario asked the guy why he pumped less, and he said, "No entiendo Ingles". I told the guy 20 dolares in Spanish...anyways, Mario made him pump the difference...BUYERS BEWARE!!!



your fault...you're a doctor!!!

you should have worked out the amount in pesos BEFORE he started the pump...

Barry A. - 1-11-2012 at 12:05 PM

Tho I tend to agree with the thrust of your premise, just how many gas station attendents in the USA could figure out how many gallons to pump into a Mexicanos tank when he handed them a 100 peso note, even if they even WOULD except any pesos??? I know that I could not figure that out without a calculator, and even then I probably would stumble. It is NOT that easy for we 'math-challenged' individuals.

I always use Pesos when in Mexico------period. I don't even take USA dollars with me.

Barry

ges/peso's

captkw - 1-11-2012 at 12:33 PM

I use only peso's now !! after year's of getting short changed,,,,almost all pemex's give a low exchange, rate !! K&T :cool:

Bob and Susan - 1-11-2012 at 01:50 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by captkw
I use only peso's now !! after year's of getting short changed,,,,almost all pemex's give a low exchange, rate !! K&T :cool:


actually that's not ture either...

three months ago
i got 13.3 at the border cambio (best rate no comission)

the rate at the tj gas station on the toll road was giving 13.5
i gave him $40 USA i got 540 pesos in gas

[Edited on 1-11-2012 by Bob and Susan]

Bob and Susan - 1-11-2012 at 01:56 PM

Quote:
Quote:
Originally posted by Bajatripper
soooo...did you check your gas container for accuracy?

again...prove it...i did

this is how "stories and myths" continue...fools



Sooooo...Bob and Susan, you are going to argue for--indeed, defend--the accuracy of Pemex gas pumps? Who's the fool here?



oh...i'm NOT saying i'm not a fool..
i certainly am...
BUT
in this case...prove these accusations
it should be easy enough:light::light:

DavidE - 1-11-2012 at 02:36 PM

As an engineer I can tell you for a fact that the only vessel that is recognized to determine accuracy of liquid dispenser quantities is a bureau of weights and measures "test measure" I use a 19 liter Seraphin Test Measure with certificate of accuracy traceable to N.I.S.T. National Institute of Standards and Technology. Hyperbole is worthless. I have determined to standards J-133 (1), (3) and (4) that Pemex pumps dispense DIFFERENT delivered quantities of product between ordered specified liters and liters delivered when an EXACT compensatory peso amount is ordered. Test is easy to do: Specify 19 liters of fuel and note total sales peso price. Then order that EXACT peso amount and subsequently note the amount of LITERS shown versus liters delivered. PROFECO and PEMEX O-N-L-Y test dispensers by ordering 19 liters.

Doubters May If They Wish Offer Enough Money Compensation To Pay For A Convincing On-Site Rebuttal.

Roberto - 1-11-2012 at 03:24 PM

DavidE, last time you posted this same information there were several pages of posts, Bob went to the Pemex in Mulege more than once, and on and on. Not a peep from DavidE. Now you reiterate the same information. Why don't you go back, read those posts and provide your opinion on that. Or not.

Here's the link: http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=56440#pid6759...

Woooosh - 1-11-2012 at 03:46 PM

"CostCo settles gas lawsuit" yup, about hot gas.

"As part of the settlement, Costco has agreed to install new pumps at stores in 14 states in the south and southwest. The new pumps regulate fuel by delivering slightly more gas for the same price when the fuel is "hot." "

http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/04/hot_fuel02.htm...

[Edited on 1-11-2012 by Woooosh]

Bob and Susan - 1-11-2012 at 04:03 PM

"When the temperature of gasoline rises above 60 degrees, gasoline expands but gas pumps don’taccount for the bigger volume...
consumers receive less gasoline than they should.
For every 15-degree rise in temperature, 1% of the fuel is
lost to expansion"
------------------------
i had a marketing class at cal poly pomona long ago...
the teacher was a vice president of texaco at the time

he said if you buy your gas in the morning when its cold
you WILL have more gas in the afternoon...when its hot

the question was asked
when it expands does it burn differently?
he said no

wessongroup - 1-11-2012 at 04:28 PM

http://acwm.co.la.ca.us/scripts/Consumer.htm

Oso - 1-11-2012 at 04:52 PM

Life's too short to spend it sweating the small stuff. This reminds me of when I used to get so angry at the butchers in our village who would charge more than the government regulated price. My wise Otomi mother-in-law would just laugh at me and ask "with that attitude, when are you going to eat?"

I don't go out of my way to buy gas in the morning. I buy it when I need it. Yeah, I get irritated when I feel I'm being ripped off at Pemex. But, when I'm running on empty I just buy it and move on.

Ateo - 1-11-2012 at 05:24 PM

I'm tempted to get into this conversation but I'm packing for my Baja trip as we speak. All I will say is you're getting more ripped off buying your Takis, Cheetos, fountain drinks, beer and cigarettes in the gasoline station convenience store.

Ateo - 1-11-2012 at 05:38 PM

I spend 10 hours a day doing compliance inspections at gas stations and I will tell you that customers and their rip off allegations are wrong 99% of the time. There is no conspiracy.

Inventory reconciliation numbers show overages and shortages of a couple hundred gallons per month depending on what time of the year it is - due to temp correction. One could argue the station owner is getting ripped off from the delivery terminal where they purchase fuel, but those numbers usually balance out quite nice over time. That's why you don't hear gas station owners suing their suppliers. They see the data and the data shows a very minuscule discrepancy.

[Edited on 1-12-2012 by ateo]

Woooosh - 1-11-2012 at 06:19 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by ateo
One could argue the station owner is getting ripped off from the delivery terminal where they purchase fuel, but those numbers usually balance out quite nice over time. That's why you don't hear gas station owners suing their suppliers. They see the data and the data shows a very minuscule discrepancy.
[Edited on 1-12-2012 by ateo]


I had not followed the supply chain to consider that. Good observation. thanks.

[Edited on 1-12-2012 by Woooosh]

Ateo - 1-11-2012 at 09:47 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Woooosh
Quote:
Originally posted by ateo
One could argue the station owner is getting ripped off from the delivery terminal where they purchase fuel, but those numbers usually balance out quite nice over time. That's why you don't hear gas station owners suing their suppliers. They see the data and the data shows a very minuscule discrepancy.
[Edited on 1-12-2012 by ateo]


I had not followed the supply chain to consider that. Good observation. thanks.

[Edited on 1-12-2012 by Woooosh]


Awesome. Glad I could add some inside knowledge.

Roberto - 1-11-2012 at 10:26 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Oso
Life's too short to spend it sweating the small stuff. This reminds me of when I used to get so angry at the butchers in our village who would charge more than the government regulated price. My wise Otomi mother-in-law would just laugh at me and ask "with that attitude, when are you going to eat?"

I don't go out of my way to buy gas in the morning. I buy it when I need it. Yeah, I get irritated when I feel I'm being ripped off at Pemex. But, when I'm running on empty I just buy it and move on.


But, do you use a 19 liter Seraphin Test Measure with certificate of accuracy traceable to N.I.S.T. National Institute of Standards and Technology? Huh? Whatcha got to say about that? I see you must not be an engineer, even one who ain't done no engineerin' in ... Well forever.

DavidE - 1-11-2012 at 11:09 PM

Roberto :-)

Optimist: Glass is half-full

Pessimist: Glass is half-empty

Engineer: Glass is twice as big as it needs to be

GAS

captkw - 1-12-2012 at 05:28 AM

I,say,,all of us are getting screwed,,at the pump and WE, need to find feul alternative's,,,argue, with me....:lol::lol: K&T

What the Mexicans are saying about it

Mengano - 1-12-2012 at 06:41 PM

Piden a PROFECO inspeccionar gasolineras

Los Cabos, Baja California Sur.- Piden que la Profeco realice una revisión en las gasolineras de la localidad, debido a que al parecer están vendiendo menos producto que el indicado en las bombas.

Señaló el señor Nicolás Bernal, vecino de la Colonia Lomas del Sol, que acudió a la gasolinera ubicada por el Bulevar Leona Vicario, llevando un galón, 3870 mililitros, y al momento de revisar la bomba, ésta marcaba más de cuatro litros, sucediendo lo mismo en la gasolinera ubicada en la Colonia Venados, ubicada a un costado del Aliser.

Dando a conocer que es alrededor del 10 por ciento, lo que les están robando o cobrando de más, por lo que es necesario que se les ponga un alto y se regularice, porque de por sí está subiendo el costo del combustible cada mes, que les afecta en su economía y ahora con esto.

http://www.oem.com.mx/elsudcaliforniano/notas/n2381271.htm

PROFECO asked to inspect gas stations

Los Cabos, Baja California Sur - They are asking Profeco to inspect gas stations in the area, due to the fact it appears they are selling less product than is indicated by the pumps.

This was pointed out by señor Nicolás Bernal, who lives in colonia Lomas del Sol, who went to a gas station on Bulevar Leona Vicario, carrying a one gallon can - 3.87 liters -- and when he looked at the pump it was recording more than four liters. The same thing happened in the gas station located in colonia Venados, located to the side of Aliser.

He reported that they are robbing or overcharging around 10 percent, and it is necessary to bring an end to this and regulate them. The cost of gas is increasing every month, and it affects the economy and now this issue.

BajaWarrior - 1-12-2012 at 08:23 PM

Some attendants use the calculator on their cell phones a lot these days but it is hard to see the numbers they are entering one such fellow didn't add the .60 after the 13.60 rate which was advertised next to the roadway. My wife always checks their math and caught it. I always tip well but this guy was helping himself to an additional $4 after the tip I intended on giving him which was a dollar.

I still gave him the dollar for the service.

$4 dollar tip...

EnsenadaDr - 1-12-2012 at 08:26 PM

that's what my attendant wanted to help himself to...man these guys might be making a fortune...maybe its time to get a part-time job...!!!!
Quote:
Originally posted by BajaWarrior
Some attendants use the calculator on their cell phones a lot these days but it is hard to see the numbers they are entering one such fellow didn't add the .60 after the 13.60 rate which was advertised next to the roadway. My wife always checks their math and caught it. I always tip well but this guy was helping himself to an additional $4 after the tip I intended on giving him which was a dollar.

I still gave him the dollar for the service.

Ateo - 1-12-2012 at 09:22 PM

Fueled up twice today in Baja Norte. No rip offs. Baja cactus gasolinera in mañana to fuel up my two five gallons and I'll let ya know. :):):):):)

woody with a view - 1-13-2012 at 07:54 AM

next time spread the wealth around and pick up fuel at one of the roadside vendors near where you are ultimately going. less chance of a fireball on the highway as you travel and it's only a buck or two more for 5 gallons.

gnukid - 1-13-2012 at 08:50 AM

The other day I visited a gas station on Forejadores which I had decided would be a nice place with good service to engage. I greeted the agent and gave the agent my keys and my request for 500 of verde gas and he turned to the tank and suddenly turned around while holding the red hose and said oh sorry I made a mistake (in spanish) and entered roja, I only spent a little gas, it read 100 on the meter.

I stopped in my tracks and pulled the hose out and laid into the guy slowly as everyone around began to laugh, I put the locking cap back on and went to the cashier and laid into him too. Soon the group of attendents gathered around to say no pasa nada, por que el no tira gasolina, pues obvio".

The scam is simple, claim the previous cars amount is due by you through a turn of quick confusing events, then either you pay or when you cry foul eventually the agent can back down and claim nothing happened and it was a misunderstanding.

The sad part is that the whole station acted as thought it was funny and no one was about to accept the fact that theft is serious crime that hurts everyone and is punishable by jail time. I told them that they lost a good client, they lost our confidence and trust and that they will end up in jail and that each agent who is aware of the crimes of another agent as they are certainly is complicit in the crime and living an pathetic immoral life that is a poor example for their children parents and family and certainly they will go to jail and to hell eventually. They laughed.

I left and the very next station I went to had a group of official inspectors there to review the amount of gas and method of service I received provided by the agent. Hit or miss !

The moral of the story is pay close attention and keep your eyes on the agents and the meter. Use a locking gas cap to slow down the agents from playing this common trick. When you catch someone pulling a trick be calm and polite and tell them that to be a criminal is a sad way to live life and suggest they visit church and apologize to their parents. Then leave.