Ever wondered if the weighing machine at your local shop truly reflects what you’re paying for? Or if the fuel dispensed matches the amount you’ve been charged? While these concerns often go unnoticed, a recent inspection by the Bhutan Standards Bureau (BSB) in Samtse, Chhukha, and Haa revealed a significant number of inaccurate weighing balances and unfit fuel dispensing pumps, raising serious questions about fair trade practices.
At the Bhutan Oil Distributors fuel station in Samtse, inspectors tested four fuel dispensing pumps and found two inaccurate and unfit for commercial use.
During the test, the pumps failed to dispense exactly five litres of fuel into a standard five-litre measuring can, exposing discrepancies in measurement. The machines were immediately labelled as unfit and requiring corrective action.
Technicians were able to repair and recalibrate the pumps to meet standard specifications, after which they were certified as fit for use.
Similar issues were identified at other locations. Fuel pumps in Dorokha, Damchen Petroleum in Samtse, and Druk Petroleum Corporation Limited in Gomtu were also found unfit due to nozzle-related problems. These pumps were marked with “not fit” stickers, and the operators were instructed to either repair them or cease their use entirely.
The inspection also uncovered significant inaccuracies in weighing balances. Out of nearly 160 (159 for web) weighing machines verified in Samtse, 13 were found to be inaccurate. The BSB recalibrated those that could be fixed, while the rest were labelled as unfit for commercial use.
“As far as possible, we try to adjust the settings and correct the weighing machines. But there are some machines whose settings are difficult to change, and for those, we paste a sticker indicating that the machine is inaccurate and unfit for commercial use,” said Tandin Chedon, senior lab assistant at BSB.
Officials say while most consumers are still unaware of this labelling, awareness amongst the shopkeepers has improved.
“Compared to the past years, shopkeepers know a little more about keeping their weighing machines accurate. Now, we can also see most of the shopkeepers keeping the machines which give accurate measurements,” added the senior lab assistant.
The BSB extended its inspections to Chhukha and Haa, where similar issues were identified. In Chhukha, over 350 weighing balances were inspected, with 296 deemed fit for commercial use and 55 labelled as inaccurate and unfit. In Haa, 54 weighing machines were examined, and five were found to be unsuitable for commercial transactions.
Fuel pumps in these regions also faced scrutiny. In Haa, one out of four fuel pumps inspected was found to be unfit. In Chhukha, one out of 15 tested pumps was deemed unfit due to nozzles failing to meet standards and being in poor condition.
The BSB emphasized that its role is limited to verification and does not include penalising businesses for non-compliance. Instead, it focuses on helping consumers identify whether weighing balances and fuel pumps meet required standards and encourages corrective actions where necessary.
The BSB urges consumers to look for verification stickers on weighing balances and fuel pumps to ensure they receive accurate measurements. Business operators are also reminded to adhere to BSB standards to maintain transparency, uphold fair trade practices, and protect consumer rights.
Passang Dorji, Samtse