Bacolod might close erring gas stations

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — Gasoline stations in this city, which pumping machines were found to be inaccurately calibrated, are facing closure, if they fail to correct their mistakes.

Vice Mayor Jude Thaddeus Sayson said the City Treasurer’s Office will issue notices of violation to the owners of these gasoline stations.

A task force led by Sayson recently conducted random inspections of six gasoline stations in the city to check on the accuracy of the calibration of their pumping machines.

Sayson said that one out of the six gasoline stations inspected was found to have two dispensing pumps that were both “under-delivered,” or were not accurately calibrated.

The gas station has under-delivered 10 liters of gas, which were subjected to random inspection. The volume of fuel it pumps lacked 120 ml in the first 10 liters when calibrated in the city’s calibrating bucket, he said.

“Under the law you are allowed under-delivery of up to 50 ml for every 10 liters. Over and above 50 ml is already a violation,” Sayson said.

Sayson said, “We called their attention to have their pumps re-calibrated. We are studying the possibility of implementing a closure by the City Treasurer’s Office if they fail to do so.”

The task force also found out that three of the six inspected gasoline have defective permits, prompting the City Licensing and Permits Division to call the attention of the owner or manager of the stations to rectify the defects.

Mayor Evelio Leonardia said the random inspection was the city government’s way of protecting consumers. The inspection will continue and the public must cooperate by informing the city of any irregularities so that the task force can check on these, he added. - THE FREEMAN