ISLAMABAD – At a time when people are paying record high fuel prices, Islamabad residents are being cheated at many petrol pumps as a major crackdown has uncovered alleged manipulation of petrol and diesel dispensing systems at several filling stations.
Islamabad district administration sealed six petrol pumps and more than 40 fuel dispensing nozzles after inspections revealed serious measurement irregularities, including the suspected use of electronic devices to cheat unsuspecting customers. The discoveries have triggered fresh concerns over fuel theft through short-measuring practices, potentially allowing filling stations to collect full payments while supplying smaller quantities of petrol and diesel.
What began as routine inspections took a serious turn when enforcement teams reportedly discovered electronic equipment allegedly designed to interfere with fuel dispensing machines. According to district administration officials, the suspected devices could alter fuel measurements, allowing dispensing meters to indicate a higher quantity than the fuel actually delivered.
Such manipulation could leave motorists paying for litres of fuel they never received, potentially making the discrepancies difficult to detect during ordinary refuelling. Authorities immediately sealed two petrol pumps linked to the alleged electronic manipulation and arrested staff members suspected of involvement. The findings prompted officials to widen the crackdown, bringing more filling stations under scrutiny.
As inspection teams expanded their operations across Islamabad, additional irregularities surfaced in fuel dispensing systems. The administration subsequently sealed six petrol pumps and more than 40 nozzles over suspected measurement violations.
Officials are examining equipment used to dispense both petrol and diesel, with particular attention to whether the volume delivered matches the readings shown on dispensing machines. The operation has also raised questions about how long such alleged practices may have continued and how many motorists could have suffered financial losses.
DC Islamabad ordered a comprehensive inspection campaign covering all petrol pumps operating in the federal capital. Inspection teams have been directed to check fuel dispensing machinery, identify possible electronic tampering and verify the accuracy of petrol and diesel measurements. The administration is focusing on ensuring that motorists receive exactly the amount of fuel they purchase, rather than relying solely on the figures displayed on pump meters.
Islamabad district administration has made clear that the crackdown will not end with the sealing of six petrol pumps. Officials have warned that filling stations found manipulating dispensing equipment or supplying less fuel than customers pay for will face enforcement action.
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