Shell Canada ripoff, over charge, false advertising, quick price changes Kitchener (Headquarters Calgary) Ontario (Headquarters Alberta)

On Monday June 5th I entered a gas station here in Kitchener Ontario the price of gas was at 95.6/L, I waited in line for about 2 minutes before being able to access the pump. At which time the pump was on hold because someone was in paying. As it turns out there was another reason, the gas price was also being increased at the pumps, although I did not realize this at the time.

There were a number of people who were at the pumps before the price had increased. At least 6 of which never realized that the price had increased when they began pumping, including myself, as we had all seen on the large sign that the price was at 95.6/L. After filling my car I enter the gas station to pay. 3 people were complaining that the price was higher than they expected. The attendant had no mercy and said they had to pay this price.

When I asked him what price I had pumped gas at not knowing if the price for me had increased, he wouldn't tell me. At least not until I handed him my credit card and he swiped it. The price had gone up by 13 cents to 108.9. I asked them politely to please refund my card the difference. To which they responded they wouldn't, at least 6 other people had the same understanding that I had which is that they can't advertise one price and then 2 seconds later charge a different price.

I belive most people would agree that this is NOT a fair practice, and that is why I ask you to call the Gas station and express your opinion at the phone number provided. Also please feel free to call Shell Canada at 1-800-661-1600, you can Ask for Mary Jane as she was the rep. who dealt with my case. It seems to be that there corporate policy is also to false advertise and rip off customers in this way. Please boycott all Shell stations if at all possible.

I contacted shell that same day and explained the situation to Mary Jane. The next day I got a call back from the corporate office, Mary Jane told me that what the station had done was completely in line with corporate policy. I re-explained my position, which she essentially ignored, and was unwilling to ratify, not even to keep a customer happy.

If you think it is wrong that a gas station should change there pump price immediately after changing the large posted sign, please call the gas station and corporate shell and express your opinion. Also please contact your local MP or MPP and tell them that you think this practice is wrong and that it must be stopped.

In my opinion there should be a minimum of 5-10 minutes between the price change on the large sign and the price change on the pumps. Then the company would never be in a situation of false advertising as I believe the Shell Station was.

I have set up an electronic petition to find the level of support for an amendment to the Canadian Consumer Protection Act. banning this kind of deceptive advertising; at:

Thank you for your support.

Graeme
Kitchener, Ontario
Canada

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