Hey, I was only relaying info that came out in a Shell release to all its distributor network, which when quizzed about it, our own Shell rep said yes, it was true.

Shell had for years always discouraged distributors from handling multiple lines of similar products in bulk for fear this type of allegations could be brought up, or that unscrupulous dealers could then use their Shell repackaging agreements to sell 5gal buckets, 55gal drums or bulk deliveries of less expensive and inferior product as Shell products.

In another example of judicially foisted craziness, another Shell distributor was sued by a customer claiming they were being shorted in the 55gal drums they were sold by the distributor.

During a random spot check of all the drums the distributor had in the warehouse inventory revealed they were almost all overfilled (drums are usually closer to 58 gals in capacity to allow for expansion), the judge then ruled that if they would overfill drums that they would also be just as likely to underfill them, though no such instance in their investigation proved that to be the case. They found AGAINST the distributor who was actually hurting their own bottom line by giving away free oil, or at least more than the customer had paid for!

This lead Shell to require all members of their distributor network with repackaging agreements to purchase and install scales to be used to weigh each filled container of product since the weight never varies, while the volume does due to heat and cold.

Sadly, if this same logic were extended to fuels we'd all be much better off, or at least get what we're paying for all year round when we purchase fuel. In warmer climes or months we're actually shorted on what we're sold as it's sold by a volumetric measure, which can vary, compared to it's weight, which again is constant