The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) empowered under the National Weights and Measures Act of 1981 has been conducting a number of activities to ensure that there is equity in trade thus protecting consumers from some unscrupulous businessmen who set out to rob them with regards to weights and measures.

Because of stipulations set out in the Act, businesses using weighing and measuring devices in trade must submit their devices to the GNBS, for verification as is required once every six months.

A significant part of the Bureau’s mandate includes checking and verifying the accuracy of bulk meters and fuel pumps at filling stations countrywide, to ensure that fuel dispensed at the pump is within the acceptable tolerance levels as stipulated in the Regulations.

Since 1996, Officers of the GNBS have routinely conducted verifications at all petrol pumps at all gas stations. This exercise was carried out at all petrol stations for the first and second half of 2009 and over 3000 pumps were verified for fuel companies such as: Sol, Texaco GUYOIL, and privately owned stations.

If pumps are found to be under-delivering or over-delivering, the necessary adjustments are made and a protective seal affixed. This is to maintain the integrity of the process.

However, if a pump which has been sealed off is found to be tampered with, the operators or owners can face prosecution.

Further, if for one reason or another, a fuel pump is not functioning properly, and cannot be calibrated immediately, the Inspector would seal the dispensing nuzzle to prevent further usage of the pump until its accuracy can be verified.

The entire verification process is intended to protect both the supplier and the consumer. When a pump is over delivering fuel, the seller is being robbed; likewise, if a pump is under delivering, the consumer is being short-changed.

The Bureau of Standards, therefore, serves as an effective interface between sellers and consumers, thus ensuring fair trade and business practices and ultimately, protection for all. Consumers are advised to make purchases in metric and check the fuel pumps for the GNBS seal which is a guarantee that the pump has been checked for the corresponding period.

For further information on this subject, call the Guyana National Bureau of Standards on Telephone number: 219-0065 or 219-0069.