A fuel pump used by the Gozo police has been turned off in the wake of a report by the National Audit Office on a suspected underground leak.
Vapour loss and other handling spillages could have contributed to the missing fuel
Police denied there was an underground fuel leak but confirmed that the tank was emptied and filled with water to “make it gas-free”.
A spokesman said Enemalta carried out an inspection in September and reported its findings that no leak was evident two months later. Similar findings were reported in March last year by police transport staff who inspected the tank.
The NAO report said a police officer in charge at the Gozo station had reported a suspected underground leak in November 2010 after noting losses of some 60 litres of fuel every two months.
The Enemalta inspection was scheduled when the NAO questioned the police about the matter in its annual audit of public finances this year.
A police spokesman told The Sunday Times “vapour loss and other handling spillages” could have contributed to the missing fuel.
“This pump issues frequent, small quantities of fuel weekly. Handling and vapour losses can easily tally 20 litres, particularly in the summer,” the spokesman said.
He added that the Enemalta technician had said a leak in an underground fuel tank would result in loses of hundreds of litres of petrol per week and not a mere 30 litres per month.
“Enemalta reported the findings of its inspection on November 5, noting that no losses were evident from the pump and piping but a tank replacement was suggested due to its age and condition,” the police spokesman said.
Enemalta had noted “some rust” and the tank was found to have been in use for a considerable number of years, he added.
“Action was taken to deactivate it completely instead of making repairs which are impractical.”
A decision was subsequently taken to close down the police fuel pump and this was emptied of all petrol two weeks ago.
In its report the NAO had said the case file was not available and the police officer’s original statement reporting the case could not be corroborated. It expressed concern that such a loss of fuel could result in public funds going to waste.
ksansone@timesofmalta.com