THE Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) continues to verify fuel pumps at gas stations countrywide, bulk storage tanks and meters and the compartments of tanker wagons owned by the large fuel companies.

According to GNBS Public Relations Officer (PRO) Lloyd David, the bureau is empowered under the “Weights and Measures Act of 1981” to check and verify the accuracy of bulk meters, fuel pumps and other measuring devices used in the petroleum sector.

“These verifications ensure that the quantities of fuel dispensed using these devices are within the acceptable tolerances. Hence, vehicle owners and other consumers can continually rely on the quantities of fuel provided to them during purchase,” he explained.

In addition, he added that the compartments of a significant number of privately- owned fuel tankers (trucks) were verified and inspected during the last few years to ensure that accuracy and safety requirements are maintained.

During the verification process, David said several test measures are used to determine the accuracy of the petrol pumps, bulk meters and wagon compartments.

“For devices which are inaccurate, the necessary adjustments are made and security seals are affixed to the adjusting mechanisms. This is to maintain the integrity of the verification process,” he noted.

He added: “If a subsequent check is conducted by inspectors of the GNBS and the affixed seals are found to be tampered with or removed, the operators or owners can face prosecution.”

He also noted that if for one reason or another, a verified measuring device is not functioning properly, and cannot be verified immediately, the inspector would seal the dispensing nuzzle to prevent further usage until its accuracy can be verified.

The entire verification process, David emphasised, is intended to protect both suppliers and consumers.

“When a pump is over-delivering fuel, the station is selling at a financial loss. If a pump is under-delivering, then drivers are being short-changed. Similarly, fuel terminals also need to supply the correct quantities of fuel to petrol stations that are their customers, so that they too can be satisfied.”

He advised that consumers make purchases in quantities such as litres and decalitres and to check fuel pumps for the GNBS seals.

“The presence of an approval seal on a fuel pump indicates that the pump was checked for the corresponding period. However, if as a consumer, you have doubts about the quantity of fuel you bought from a particular gas station, give the GNBS a call and the necessary actions will be taken to re-check the petrol meters at that station,” he said.