Has anyone noticed how it jumps from ##Question_Title##.00 to ##Question_Title##.05 or Higher when pumping gas?

Question

I was pumping gas 4 weeks ago at my local gas station and noticed it started from $00.00 to $00.05. Then, a week and half later I went to a different gas station and it went from $00.00 to $00.10. Finally, this morning, I went to a different one closer to work (Missouri City, Texas) and it went from $00.00 to $00.05, I said that's it. I went up to the clerk and asked for my 5 cents back....Hey, it adds up over time. Not just me, but can you imagine if EVERYONE from every gas station, to every city, to every state pays 5 or 10 cents towards gas they didn't get....we're all getting ripped off!!!

Well, the clerk lady said she couldn't do anything about it, and I called the manager, who said he will investigate this. I let him know that from now on, I will pay with cash AND I WILL ONLY PAY FOR WHAT I GET!!!

***NEXT TIME YOU PUMP GAS - CHECK TO SEE HOW MUCH EXTRA YOU'RE PAYING***

Answer 1

The problem is gas is so expensive, just a small amount costs a few cents.  Put another way, I too have found lately that its much harder to be "as precise" when filling up.  ie. To get to a round number of $20.00 is not as easy as it used to be.  

I would think the pumps are capable of operating over a range of some minimum and some maximum flow rate (usually measured in GPH - gallons per hour).  Well, the minimum flow rate probably is not low enough to allow you to pump with the precision you once could, since gas prices are so high now.

Imagine if the flow rate was very slow.  You could probably pump one penny's worth of gas at a time if you chose to.  Problem is, the pumps don't operate that slowly.

Answer 2

Actually, for what the pumps actually gives you various both ways in a lot of places. So even though sometimes you might be buying gas you didn't pump, sometimes you get gas you didn't actually pay for. One of the big problems, which is becoming more apparent with gas prices being so high, is that there aren't enough inspectors to check gas pumps. Each pump is suppose to be inspected once or twice a year in some states but in many places this doesnt happen since there arent enough people doing the job.

Answer 3

It's likely not the pumps, but the fact that the previous customer turned off the pump, then squeezed the handle to get a few drops more, as if that will make a difference.  When you start the pump, what happens is the pump pressurizes the line.  If the last customer doesn't drain the last bit out, the line is already pressurized and you don't get that nickel or so pushed into the hose.

If you want to do the same, then push up the flap where you store the nozzle on the pump, or push down the handle, however you turn on the pump, just do the opposite.  Then squeeze the handle and you'll get the same amount of gasoline the last person got from you.  It really isn't all that much, but it may make you feel better.

This is not uncommon when prices spike, everyone feels like they need to get every last drop they can and they want to put it to the oil companies.  Unfortunately, you're only doing it to each other.  We see a significant increase in drive-offs when pirces spike as well.  I wouldn't recommend that, though.  most states will revoke your license if you're caught.