The Bhutan Standards Bureau (BSB) has flagged defective fuel dispensers and inaccurately calibrated digital weighing machines during its ongoing verification of weights and measures in four districts. The inspection which began earlier this month covers Dagana, Tsirang, Sarpang, and Zhemgang.
Officials said while most of the mechanical weighing machines were found to be accurate and reliable, many digital weighing machines were not correctly calibrated at the manufacturing stage, leading to losses for both vendors and consumers. They added that around more than 60 weighing machines have been rectified and certified as fit for commercial use with approved stickers in Dagana, Sarpang and Tsirang.
Wangda Jamtsho from Bhutan Standards Bureau said “We did not come across default on counter balance, spring balance and beam balance but we observed that in many cases, the digital weighing machines were not correctly calibrated when brought in from the manufacturers. This has led to discrepancies, resulting in losses for as high as half a kilogramme for both shopkeepers and customers in some case.”
BSB official said that they have also come across a fuel station in Dagana using defective weighing machine, which has been labeled. Similarly, a diesel outlet in Sarpang fuel station has been flagged and marked as unfit for use. Official cautioned public to stay informed and rely on the stickers and markings when choosing where to shop or fuel.
Wangda Jamtsho from Bhutan Standards Bureau said “In Dagana fuel station, one machine was found to be defective and has been clearly marked because consumers have to know this. Similarly, in Sarpang, diesel from a particular outlet has not meet our standard, so we have pasted the “Not fit for commercial use” label on it. This way, consumers are aware and can decide whether or not they want to refuel their vehicles there.”
This initiative is to ensure that the buyers get what they pay for and sellers are protected from faulty machines such as weighing balances and fuel dispensers.
Karma Wangdi
Edited by Kipchu
