Shell Pakistan is oblivious to the overcharging of petrol on its stations in Lahore, as individuals continue to fleece customers with impunity, Pakistan Today has learnt.
Petrol, one of the most widely used and important commodities for citizens, is so vital for our lives and a crucial factor in determining the prices of electricity to almost all other household items. However, Mehar Gasoline of Shell Pakistan on MM Alam Road is selling one litre of petrol for Rs 103.33, higher than the standard price of petrol. This has caused a lot of inconvenience to the customers and also resulted into a lot of scuffles as well.
“I got petrol for Rs 1,000 and when it was done a slip came out of the electronic machine with overpricing. When I agitated, the workers simply said it was their owner’s decision. 10 or 15 rupees is not a big amount, but the point is we are not living in the periphery where they should be let to fleece customers. Even the Total pump on the opposite side of road is charging normal prices, this is simply unreasonable,” Zahid Ali, a corporate finance manager, told Pakistan Today.
The practice has been ongoing unchecked for several months now, but no one has initiated any action against them.
When contacted, the workers at the fuel station put the onus on the owner who was not available to clarify his position.
When this was brought into the notice of Natasha Qamar, Shell PRO, she initially demanded for “evidence”, saying only then will she be able to initiate an action or comment. When she was provided with the evidence, she refused to comment on the issue for reasons best known to her.