Consumer Protection BC has become involved in the investigation following a CHBC news report about erroneous environmental fees Shell stations across the province have been collecting on milk jugs.
And while Shell Canada says the 26 cent fee was an unintentional mistake, the Kelowna man who first pointed it out, wonders why his concerns were ignored for three weeks while the stores continued to collect the money.
Todd Mackie came to CHBC News after being ignored by Shell Canada and Consumer Protection BC.
He says neither would help him when it came to erroneous fees he and all BC Shell customers are being charged on milk purchases at Shell convenience stores.
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It turns out Shell has been collecting up to 26 cents a jug on every purchase at more than 100 BC stores for more than a month.
“If the issue goes on for a prolonged period of time, and if we receive other callers, and if we get concerns that this might be a bigger issue, then we would reassess and re-examine if we may have a roll,” says Manjeet Bains of Consumer Protection BC.
Shell Canada has admitted to the error. It says it’s working as quickly as possible to rectify the problem in ensuring the fees are no longer charged.
The minister in charge of consumer protection laws, Shirley Bond, issued a statement in support of Consumer Protection BC.
“I am pleased to hear that Shell Canada has committed to correcting the problem and will ensure consumers receive refunds.”
Mackie is appalled at the lack of accountability for a company that flaunted BC laws.
“They definitely knew about it, even if they say they found out a week ago, they had a week to fix the problem, they didn’t do it. That’s just a money grab for the company.”
For his inconvenience, Shell offered Mackie a $20 gift card. He declined.
Shell Canada issued a statement, saying it collected about $1300 in the last month at 104 stores around the province. It’s offering customers a refund without a receipt. Any money not collected by customers will be given to the Recycling Council of BC.
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