While petrol prices continue to soar, the Consumer Affairs Commission (CAC) is imploring motorists to request receipts for petrol purchases to facilitate easy resolution in the event of a discrepancy.
Racquel Chambers, CAC's research and communications officer, said a receipt is the only proof of purchase at the pumps.
Surveys have shown that most motorists do not request a receipt because the process was time-consuming, said Chambers.
"The claim is that you get one if you ask," she said. "But most customers don't utilise the service as it takes time to park and wait," Chambers pointed out.
Entitlement
Errol Edwards, president of Jamaica Gasolene Retailers Association, said more persons should request receipts.
"If someone has to be reimbursed, the receipt is an entitlement," said Edwards.
The CAC often receives complaints or queries from motorists about being overcharged by service stations. A receipt assists in verifying the complaint by the consumer and the correct entitlement if the case is in favour of the complainant.
"The receipt is a very important tool to protect consumers. You may think you don't need it, but when something happens, that is your evidence," she emphasised.
However, the main complaint received by the CAC about gas stations is that prices were not being listed on the display board at facilities.
Call for uniformed prices
The commission's monthly survey of 137 service stations islandwide finds that, on average, only 40 per cent displayed prices.
Edwards, however, explained that prices were not being displayed as a form of lobby for uniform retail prices from gasolene marketing companies.
"The retailers (gas stations) have been calling on marketing companies to give them uniform prices in the same geographic area," said Edwards.
Pash Fuller, who is in charge of petrol survey at CAC, said the law did not stipulate that gas station proprietors display prices.
Fuller, however, said, "They are required by law to display at the pump, which means one has to drive in to see it."
shelly-ann.thompson@gleanerjm.com
