Clampdown on petrol pump 'cheats'

Cheating petrol pumps that deliver less fuel than paid for may have their days numbered as the Malta Resources Authority is in negotiations with station owners to improve standards.

The MRA and the Malta Standards Authorities have been in talks with the Malta Chamber of Small and Medium Enterprises - GRTU, which represents petrol station owners, to introduce certain improvements at the stations, Resources Minister George Pullicino said.

Their environmental impact, for example, could be lessened by reducing the chance of fuel leakages, Mr Pullicino said during the launch of a consultation document on National Energy Policy.

The reduction of fuel fumes is also being looked into. The Malta Standards Authority will try to ensure that standards are maintained and that all petrol pumps dispense as much petrol as they are paid to.

Meanwhile, as part of the measures announced in the draft policy, over the next few weeks the MRA will also start sampling and testing fuel, including that at petrol stations, to ensure it meets EU standards. Operators that do not offer quality fuel would incur penalties.