The government reports over 99% compliance rate for fuel quality
The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD) alongside the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) has revealed a remarkable 99.3% compliance rate for fuel quality in Uganda.
During the routine Fuel Marking and Quality Monitoring Program (FMQMP) sensitization drives across Western districts including Kasanda, Mityana, Mubende, Kyegegwa, Kyenjojo, Fortportal, and Bundibugyo, John Friday, Assistant Commissioner in the Petroleum Supply Department at MEMD, shared these findings.
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"Compliance has significantly improved, reaching 99.3% for the fuel available in the market," he said.
Friday highlighted that while there are sporadic reports of adulteration, mainly involving mixing petroleum products with paraffin, strict penalties outlined in the Petroleum Supply Act are enforced to ensure accountability.
Peter Kitimbo, the field supervisor of the Fuel Marking and Quality Monitoring Program and a Principal Analyst at UNBS Petroleum laboratories, underscored that out of the 4,877 registered fuel stations, less than 1% are non-compliant, emphasizing that legal measures are taken against offenders.
"The law empowers us to seal off a non-compliant fuel station for a first-time offence, imposing a penalty equivalent to 10% of the fuel volume multiplied by the pump price. Repeat offenders face escalating penalties, including license revocation," Kitimbo elaborated.
He urged all fuel stations to adhere to standards, register with MEMD, and encouraged motorists to patronize registered stations displaying UNBS stickers on their fuel pumps to ensure quality and quantity assurance.
Highlighting the risks associated with purchasing fuel from unauthorized sources, Kitimbo cautioned against buying petroleum products in bottles and jerrycans due to quality concerns.
He urged local authorities to curb the illicit sale of fuel in unregulated containers, emphasizing the importance of selling fuel only in regulated venues.
UNBS urged the public to report substandard fuel dealers or cheating practices by fuel stations.
