Only one of 391 gas pumps found to be underdelivering

After the Department of Energy tested 391 dispensing pumps in North and South Cebu this year for proper calibration, only one gasoline station in the south was caught underdelivering.

Pumps of gas stations in the north were all able to comply with the requirements.

Rule III Section 16 of the Rules and Regulations Governing the Business of Retailing Liquid Petroleum Products provides that the “quantity of liquid petroleum products delivered by dispensing pumps as measured by the meter shall not be less than the actual quantity by more than 50 milliliters for every 10 liters.”

Therefore, dispensing pumps delivering less than the tolerable minimum quantity is deemed to be underdelivering, it was learned.

Though reports had it that most gas stations are complying with the requirements of calibration, drivers are complaining that what is being pumped inside their tanks, whenever they have their fuel containers refilled, does not match with the figures registering on the pump meters.

Before, five liters of gasoline would sustain a round, according to some drivers but not anymore now, to their wonders. Therefore, they believe, gasoline stations are deceiving them.

Rey Maleza, supervisor of the Energy Industry Management Division-DOE, said they make sure that calibration and testing of dispensing pumps using a properly sealed calibrating bucket is done once a year.

“Cases like these are inevitable kay sometimes in time sa pagpa-calibrate sa gasoline stations, naay delay sa inspection,” Maleza said.

Gasoline stations caught with pumps underdelivering and with tampered seal are penalized with P10,000 fine for the first and second offenses while a recommendation for closure is issued for the third offense.

Maleza advised the public that if they have suspicions on certain gas stations, they can send their complaints to DOE. The agency vows to immediately send personnel to inspect the outlets.

Consumers are also advised to check the logbook where daily testing in each of these outlets is conducted to ensure accuracy in delivering liquid petroleum products. — Jessica Ann Pareja, UP intern/MEEV