Though existing rules require tankers to undergo calibration every year, only 41 of more than 1,500 tankers completed the procedure in the past two years.Calibration means determining the measurement accuracy which may alter in due course of time.
According to Nepal Bureau of Standards and Metrology (NBSM), 15 petroleum tankers underwent calibration tests in Tribhuvan International Airport, five in Thankot, six in Amlekhgunj and 15 in Butwal.
NBSM has calibration units in four places - Kathmandu, Amlekhgunj, Thankot, Butwal and Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA).
"Standard Measurement and Weight Act, 2025 states that any commercially operated measurements should go through calibration every year for quantity assurance to consumers," Bishwobabu Pudasaini, director general of NBSM, told Republica, adding, "Only 41 tankers of NOC underwent calibration procedures in the past two years."
Pudasaini said that any firms using measurements for commercial use must reach NBSM calibration units within specified timeframe.
"Commercial firms not calibrating their measurements every year must face action as per existing laws," Pudasaini said, adding, "Being a government agency, NOC should have taken initiative for calibration of petroleum tankers in time."
Last week, petroleum dealers accused NOC of supplying 200 liters less fuel on every consignment of 12,000 KL due to faulty calibrations in tankers. However, NOC, issuing a public notice, refuted the charges, saying that the tankers are properly calibrated.
NOC officials, however, claim that all petroleum tankers are properly calibrated. "Majority of our tankers are calibrated in India because the Indian authority does not give recognition to Nepali calibrations," NOC spokesperson Mukunda Ghimire told Republica, adding, "Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) does not load fuel to tankers that do not undergo calibration procedures."
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