Full-serve gas jockeys in Richmond field drivers' anger over 30-litre limit

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Tempers rose as long lineups grew at Richmond gas stations over the weekend.

Inderjit Singh, a staff member at Mobil on No. 3 Road, says some customers took their anger out on him and his co-workers when they refused to fill up a customer’s vehicle beyond 30 litres.

Last week, Public Safety Minister Mike Farnwoth announced the public is limited to 30 litres per visit to ensure enough fuel is reserved for essential service vehicles while supply lines are re-established following devastating floods.

To enforce the restriction, some gas stations in the Lower Mainland have set their pumps to automatically turn off after 30 litres, while others simply depend on the honour system.

In Richmond, however, where there are no self-serve gas stations, it is up to station attendants to ensure the restrictions are observed.

“Some people were just unaware of the new rule, so they questioned us, asking why they could only get 30 litres,” said Singh.

While most drivers accept the restriction, others have become irate – and sometimes aggressive.

On Saturday, Henry Yao, MLA for Richmond South Centre, posted on his personal Facebook page saying he witnessed staff at Esso Canada, on Westminster Highway and Garden City Road being abused by customers when he was waiting in line.

“Gas station attendants are under a lot of pressure enforcing the rules to ensure emergency and essential services have the gas they need. However, gas stations attendants are humans and they are doing our society a huge favour,” Yao wrote on his Facebook Page.

“Please be kind, respectful and patient with them.”