Kozhikode: The long queue of vehicles from Kerala at petrol pumps used to block the narrow stretch of the National Highway passing through Mahe as prices were lower there. But these days even residents are reluctant to refuel their vehicles from there.
They accuse the pump operators of tampering with the software on the petrol-diesel dispensing machines. Recently, one of the customers who asked for a full tank diesel refill got a bill for 61 litres whereas his car’s actual capacity was 55 litres including reserve.
“It’s very clear that they had done something on its software. I lodged a complaint with the IOC officials and after an inspection they said the system was fine. Anyway, I am approaching the consumer court,” said Mahesh Mangalat, an assistant professor at the Mahe Mahatma Gandhi Government Arts College.
“Now even taxi cars on either side of the Mahe Bridge are depending on Kerala pumps despite higher rates”.
The IOC officials were unavailable for a comment. Kozhikode District Bus Operators Association president V Assainkutty Haji said there were doubts among the private bus operators as well.
“Earlier we used to fuel from Mahe pumps. But these days, the bus employees are raising doubts on its standards. We don’t have any clear evidence but we don’t want to take chances. So we avoid them,” he said.
Malpractices on dispensing machine software using remote control were widely being reported in India.
After a series of complaints, the Tamil Nadu government started taking action against dealers by suspending their licenses.
