I Could Make Ghc4,000 A Day –Former Fuel Attendant Exposes Tactics Used To Cheat Customers

Former fuel station attendant Emmanuel Eshun has alleged that some filling stations in Ghana engage in practices that manipulate fuel dispensers, potentially causing customers to pay more than the actual value of fuel supplied.

Speaking during an interview with KayB Media, Eshun recounted his experience after completing senior high school in 2012, when he began working at a filling station for a monthly salary of GH¢80.

He said he quickly became aware of practices he considered questionable. According to Eshun, a supervisor gave him GH¢20 on his first day at work without initially explaining why. He later came to believe that the money was connected to a system through which attendants allegedly benefited from manipulated fuel dispensers.

Eshun claimed that some fuel pumps could be adjusted to display incorrect prices or quantities, making it difficult for customers to determine whether they had received the appropriate amount of fuel. He further alleged that, at some stations, only one dispenser was properly calibrated, while other pumps were allegedly configured in ways that could disadvantage unsuspecting customers.

He also claimed that some attendants covered the unit price displayed on pump screens with stickers, preventing motorists from checking the actual cost per litre. According to him, customers who requested fuel for a specific amount of money were particularly vulnerable because they often focused on the amount paid rather than the exact quantity dispensed.

Eshun acknowledged that he eventually became involved in the alleged practice himself. He said that after understanding how the system supposedly worked, he began manipulating pumps to increase his earnings beyond his official salary.

According to his account, the additional money could become substantial on busy days, particularly when serving heavy-duty vehicles. He said the financial rewards encouraged some attendants to continue despite concerns about the practice.

Eshun also claimed that certain customers, including commercial drivers, sometimes detected discrepancies and returned to question attendants. However, he alleged that such complaints were frequently denied or dismissed.

His allegations have renewed concerns about transparency and consumer protection within Ghana’s fuel retail industry. If independently verified, such practices could raise serious questions about pump calibration, pricing transparency and regulatory oversight.

The claims also highlight the importance of motorists checking both the displayed price and the quantity of fuel supplied whenever possible. Authorities and consumer protection bodies could face renewed calls to strengthen inspections and take action against filling stations found violating regulations.