Measurement accuracy remains one of the most important requirements in Guyana’s petroleum sector. Every litre of fuel sold, transported or stored must be measured accurately to ensure fairness, safety and confidence for both consumers and suppliers alike.
The Weights and Measures Act of 1981 provides the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) with the legal mandate to verify measuring instruments used in trade, which include those used to measure Petroleum products. The GNBS verifies instruments including fuel pumps, bulk meters, tanker wagon compartments, and storage tanks on fuel vessels. Verification ensures that these instruments operate within the accepted tolerances and provide the correct quantity of products.
Generally, verification is important because inaccurate measurements can negatively affect consumers and businesses. In the Petroleum sector, for example, if fuel pumps are under-delivering, consumers will be shortchanged and may even lose confidence in the business. Similarly, if pumps are over-delivering, fuel companies will incur financial losses. Therefore, accurate measurements protect everyone by ensuring equity in trade and preventing disputes.
GNBS conducts routine verification exercises across the country. During these exercises, Inspectors use calibrated test measures that are traceable to international standards to determine whether fuel pumps and bulk meters are accurate. These test measures range from 5 litres to 2,000 litres. If an instrument is found to be providing inaccurate readings, adjustments are made, and a security seal is affixed to it to prevent tampering. In cases where bulk meters and petrol pumps cannot be verified immediately, the GNBS seals off these instruments, preventing use, until the required actions are taken.
Besides the verification of fuel pumps, GNBS Inspectors also verify tanker wagons and storage tanks used to transport and store petroleum products. This verification ensures that the quantities transported are correct and that safety standards are always maintained. The Bureau conducts safety checks on tanker wagons and at fuel stations to ensure measurement and safety requirements are maintained to protect everyone.
As Guyana’s oil and gas sector continues to expand, the GNBS has also strengthened its role in offshore petroleum operations by monitoring the measurements associated with crude oil lifting from the Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels. GNBS Inspectors oversee the calibration and verification of custody transfer meters, which are used to determine the quantity and value of crude oil being sold. Since these measurements directly affect national revenue, maintaining accuracy is important. To support these undertakings, the GNBS continues to invest in training for Inspectors on the international petroleum measurement standards, including standards developed by the American Petroleum Institute (API).
As we conclude a month focused on measurements, be assured that the GNBS will continue to perform routine inspection and verification of measuring instruments to maintain confidence and reliability within the petroleum sector.
For more information, contact the GNBS on telephone numbers 219-0064-66, visit www.gnbsgy.org, WhatsApp 692-4627, or email info@gnbsgy.org
