Measuring instruments should be verified as accurate to be permitted for use in any commercial transaction, and petrol pumps or fuel dispensing pumps are no exception. Petrol pumps are measuring instruments used at gas stations for effecting the delivery of fuel by specified volumes into primarily motor vehicles. Their accuracy ensures drivers receive value for money.
Over the last two decades, the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) has been ensuring that accuracy is maintained throughout the petroleum sector to satisfy both consumers and suppliers through verification (checking) of all petrol pumps, bulk meters used at fuel terminals, and more recently, meters on fuel boats and the compartments of road tank wagons transporting fuel on our roadways.
Regarding petrol pumps, to ensure that both drivers and owners of gas stations do not benefit from or be placed at a disadvantage due to inaccurate measurements, the verification of these fuel dispensing meters is a crucial function conducted by GNBS twice yearly (every six months). This legal function improves the confidence of both parties involved in the sale transaction and satisfies the regulatory requirements of the Weights and Measures Act.
So far, for the first half of 2023, a total of 715 fuel pumps were verified by the GNBS at gas stations countrywide. The Bureau’s Legal Metrology team is aiming to complete the verification of all pumps by the end of March.
For a petrol pump to be suitable for trade, it must operate within the limits of error permitted and must be pattern approved. During the verification process, a five litre (5L) and twenty litre (20L) volumetric provers are used to determine whether these measuring instruments are under-delivering, over-delivering or are within the acceptable tolerance.
For inaccurate instruments, the necessary adjustments are made and security seals are affixed to the adjusting mechanisms to prevent tampering. If a subsequent check is conducted by Inspectors of the GNBS and seals are found to be tampered with or removed, gas station operators or owners can face prosecution. This is to maintain the integrity of the verification process.
Further, if for one reason or another, a verified petrol pump is not functioning properly, and cannot be verified immediately, GNBS Inspectors would seal the dispensing nuzzle to prevent further usage until its accuracy can be verified.
Once verified, GNBS approval seals indicating the date of verification and the signature of the Inspector who conducted the verification are placed on the pumps.
Drivers, you can play a major role in helping the GNBS protect you by checking to ensure you are sold the correct quantity of fuel. To do so, multiply the price per litre that is displayed by the amount of fuel in litres dispensed to you. If the result does not correspond to the total sale indicated on the pump, something is amiss. Do not hesitate to inform the GNBS.
For further information or to contact the GNBS, call Telephone number: 219-0065 or 219-0069 or WhatsApp: 692-4627 or visit the Bureau’s website: www.gnbsgy.org
