Maharashtra: Jars to measure petrol, diesel at pumps

In a bid to address frequent complaints about less petrol or diesel being supplied than what is ordered by consumers, the Legal Metrology Organisation (LMO) has asked operators to get 5-litre ‘measurement glass jars,’ which are approved by the National Test House (NTH). Soon, these jars will be used to verify complaints received from consumers.

In a bid to address frequent complaints about less petrol or diesel being supplied than what is ordered by consumers, the Legal Metrology Organisation (LMO) has asked operators to get 5-litre ‘measurement glass jars,’ which are approved by the National Test House (NTH). Soon, these jars will be used to verify complaints received from consumers.

At present, petrol-diesel suppliers use 5-litre metallic jars to measure fuel, when consumers lodge complaints about less fuel being supplied by automated pumps than what is ordered. While there is scope for a tampering metal jar by changing the calibrations or fixing a false base, such tampering will not be possible with a glass jar, as any attempt to tamper it will damage it.

In the letter issued to the Petrol Dealers Association of Mumbai, the LMO has said petrol pump operators should get the jars calibrated by the NTH, a body authorised by the Centre to calibrate equipment used for weights and measurements. “We have signed an MOU with the NTH for calibration of weights and measurements. This glass jar, once approved by the NTH, can be used at petrol pumps to verify doubts of consumers,” said Sanjay Pandey, controller, LMO.

The consumers should ensure that the 5-litre glass jar is filled in 30 seconds, when fuel is being poured into it from the automated pump, with the help of a nozzle.

“We welcome this move. It will help bring transparency and cut down arguments between operators and consumers. We will approach the NTH and try to implement it in Mumbai by April-end,” said Ravi Shinde, president of the Petrol Dealers Association, Mumbai. MS Kamath, general secretary of the Consumer Guidance Society of India, said, “We are happy with the move and will request consumers to insist on cross-checking the supply of petrol, once in a while.”