Mike
Radford,#2Consumer Suggestion
Thu, June 08, 2006
The're a little window on every gas pump showing the price per gallon or liter. Once you start the pump the station is committed to sell you all the gas your car can take at that price. Driving onto the parking lot doesn't count. You have to pick up the nozzle and start the pump. Before then, they can change the price. It sounds like every case discussed the price on the big sign is always the same or higher than the price on the pumps. It is not "false advertising." The sign shows the (worst case) price AT THAT MOMENT. There is no commitment to honor any price previously shown on the sign at any time in the future, even a few seconds. If you don't like the price, don't start the pump, get back in your car and GO SOMEWHERE ELSE if you think it'll be cheaper elsewhere. Also there is a big window on the pump showing the total cost of the gas thus far pumped. There should be no suprises when you go to the cashier to pay. If the number in the big window is about to exceed the amount of money you have, STOP THE PUMP. Then there's regular vs. premium. Again if you're not paying attention, another way you can pay unexpectedly more is to inadvertently select the premium grade when you wanted regular. This is not rocket science, though it amazes me that so many clueless people handle a volatile fuel with so few accidents.
Graeme
Kitchener,#3Consumer Comment
Thu, June 08, 2006
I have pulled up to a station many times when the price has just increased, Where I actually have seen the price increase before I entered the station. When I get to the pump the price is still at a the lower value. I had commented on this before to the attendent (at an esso) and she told me that they don't increase the pump price until they can be relatively sure that everyone who was at the station prior to the increase has pumped gas. Now maybe that is the exception and not the rule, but I have experienced it at pioneer stations as well. It is misleading to do otherwise, and as I understand it, that could fall under the Consumer Protection Act. If it doesn't yet then I believe an amendment should be made. (As my "link" was erased I just want to say that the petition is at webpetitons under the legal section. If you google it, you will find it.)
Tom
Camrose,#4Consumer Comment
Thu, June 08, 2006
Years ago I worked at a gas station. The procedure was: If the price was going down, you did it immediately as no one should complain about wating a few minutes due to the price being lowered. If the price was going up you waited until all the customers had pumped THEN you changed the price. The sign price changed before the pump if the price was going up. I would write a letter to h*o and see what they say. If they are unresponsive, I would go elsewhere in the future. Not shopping at a business is the only way they will learn.