DOE tells Negros gas stations: Calibrate pumps

BACOLOD CITY—The Department of Energy (DOE) has warned gasoline stations in Negros Occidental to have their pumps calibrated or face closure.

DOE officials issued the warning amid complaints of short-selling by the gas stations. The warning also came after a DOE inspection team found 88 gas pumps have not been calibrated in different gas stations in the province.

Rey Maleza, DOE energy industry management division supervisor, said the DOE would issue closure orders against gas stations found to have committed violations thrice. The orders, he said, would be enforced by local government units because LGUs have the power to revoke business licenses.

Maleza said pumps must be properly calibrated to ensure that consumers get the right amount of fuel for the amount they pay.

The DOE recently inspected 1,140 pumps in gasoline stations in Negros Occidental.

Maleza said the DOE instructed operators of the erring gas stations to make amends and have their pumps properly calibrated before government patience runs out and orders to close them are issued. Carla P. Gomez, Inquirer Visayas