# How to check petrol quality and quantity at a pump

> A customer's guide to checking petrol and diesel quality and quantity at Indian petrol pumps, based on what MDG 2024 requires every dealer to provide: meter zero, filter paper test, density display, 5 litre measure test and the complaint book.

Canonical: https://dipdensity.watsinfo.com/guides/how-to-check-petrol-quality-at-petrol-pump/
Last updated: 2026-11-02

**Short answer:** Watch the meter show zero before filling. Ask for the filter paper test, which every outlet must offer for petrol. Check the density on display. Ask for the 5 litre measure test if you doubt the quantity. If anything is wrong, write in the complaint book and call the oil company number shown at the outlet.

## 1. The zero on the meter

Before the fuel starts, the meter must show zero. MDG 2024 clause 1.4.2 (f): the pump meter is to be brought back to zero before each delivery, and the attendant should show the zero to the customer. A message saying so is displayed on each pump.

## 2. The filter paper test (petrol)

Clause 1.4.1 (a): every dealer keeps **Whatman 2** filter paper to check the quality of petrol, and gives it to customers who ask. See [the filter paper test](https://dipdensity.watsinfo.com/guides/filter-paper-test-for-petrol/).

## 3. The density

Every outlet records the density of each fuel at 15 °C every morning and after every tanker, and displays it. BS-VI petrol must be **720 to 775 kg/m³** and diesel **810 to 845 kg/m³** at 15 °C. A figure outside those ranges is a reason to ask questions. More in [petrol and diesel density](https://dipdensity.watsinfo.com/guides/petrol-diesel-density-range/).

## 4. The 5 litre measure

Clause 1.4.2 (b): every outlet keeps a standard 5 litre measure verified by Weights and Measures, used only for testing the pumps. If you doubt the quantity, ask for the test. The permissible error is **±25 ml in 5 litres**. See [the 5 litre measure test](https://dipdensity.watsinfo.com/guides/5-litre-measure-test/).

## 5. The seals

The metering unit and totalizer carry Weights and Measures seals: a sealing wire with an embossed lead seal. A broken or missing seal means the pump should not be selling (clause 1.4.2 a).

## If something is wrong

Ask for the **complaint book**: clause 1.6 (iv) says it must be kept and given to customers on demand, with a notice saying it is available. Note the dealer's name and the oil company's contact number displayed at the outlet, and call it.

## Questions

### Can I ask for a filter paper test?

Yes. MDG 2024 clause 1.4.1 (a) asks every dealer to keep Whatman 2 filter paper to check petrol, and to make it available to customers on demand.

### Can I ask for the 5 litre measure test?

Yes. Every outlet keeps a 5 litre measure stamped by Weights and Measures. The permissible error is ±25 ml in 5 litres.

### Whom do I complain to?

Write in the suggestion and complaint book, which the dealer must give you on demand. The dealer must also display his own name and phone number and those of the oil company officials to contact about complaints.

## Sources

- [BPCL, Marketing Discipline Guidelines 2024](https://www.bharatpetroleum.in/images/files/MDG-2024-Effective-24-10-2024.pdf)