By: Natasha Archary
Petrol stations are taking a firm stance with drivers, with many putting up signs stipulating a strict, “pay before you fill up” notice to customers.
This as more filling stations have reported drivers leaving without paying after their tanks were filled.
There are also reports of garages requesting drivers hand over their car keys before their tanks are filled, to ensure they don’t drive off without paying.
In Durban, a Glenwood petrol station shared that four people drove away after they received full tanks of petrol.
With the rising cost of fuel in the country, motorists have resorted to desperate measures just to get petrol.
According to the filling station in question, the four vehicles involved did not have number plates, which made it difficult for attendants and the garage to trace the owners.
Attendants are now advised not to serve drivers who don’t have number plates or to request payment upfront before fuel is dispensed.
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More garages across the country may consider adopting a similar approach as the cost of petrol continues to climb.
Reaction Unit SA said they have responded to a number of calls regarding fuel theft in recent weeks.
“Drivers request a full tank of petrol, request payment through a card machine and speed off while the attendant leaves to get the machine.”
Two arrests have since been made in Durban and the drivers in question were charged with fuel theft.
The “pay before you fill up” rule is how the US and UK work. Which forces drivers to either swipe their card or pay upfront before fuel is dispensed.
On Wednesday, 6 April the price of petrol went up by a further 28c/litre for 93 octane grade and 36c/litre for 95 ULP and LRP.
The latest increase means South Africans are paying a staggering R21.63/litre for 93 and R21.96/litre for 95 grade petrol.
Diesel increased by R1.52/litre with the cost of illuminating paraffin also reaching record highs with a R2.66/litre increase.
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