Is the price on the sign the self-service price?

The price may vary depending on the service option and filling station. Check the current price sign and pump display before you start.

Check the service option and unit price

Before refuelling, look at the price sign and identify the column for the service you have chosen, such as attended service or self-service. The displayed price may differ between options; do not compare the price for one service with the amount charged for the other. The pump display should show the applicable unit price before dispensing starts: check it before picking up the nozzle.

If the filling station offers both options, check that the pump is set to self-service and that the price matches the advertised one. Do not start if the display is unreadable or does not show the expected amount. Ask the attendant to clarify before dispensing; it may be harder to establish what happened after refuelling.

If you notice a discrepancy

Stop before dispensing starts and tell the operator about the difference between the sign, pump and receipt. If you notice the problem after paying, keep the receipt and note the station, pump number, fuel, date and time. Photograph the information only if you can do so without breaching safety rules or obstructing operations.

The Italian Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy publishes price information reported by retailers, but the online data may have a different update time or service type. Do not use an out-of-date screen as the sole proof of the price at the time of purchase. For complaints, follow the channels specified by the competent authorities and the operator, and provide verifiable evidence.

Keep proof of purchase

After refuelling, check the receipt and compare the quantity and total with the pump display. Keep it until you have checked the payment. If you pay by card, check for a pre-authorisation: the temporary amount may differ from the final cost and depends on the payment system’s rules.

Before inserting your card, compare the sign with the pump display for the fuel and service option you selected. Attended service may cost more than self-service. If the prices differ, stop before dispensing and ask the operator to clarify.

To revise road signs and rules, Quiz Patente Ufficiale offers chapters, timed test quizzes and error review; check fuel prices with MIMIT and at the filling station.