Data from the consumer protection watchdog confirms that 470 out of the 940 fuel pumps in Malta and Gozo dispensed less fuel than what was paid for. Photo: Chris Sant FournierAll fuel pumps will be inspected in the coming weeks to ensure motorists get what they pay for.
The Sunday Times of Malta has reported that an exercise in January 2013 found that a number of pumps were dispensing less fuel than indicated on the meters.
Fresh data supplied by the consumer protection watchdog on the exercise carried out between September 2011 and January 2013 confirms that 470 out of the 940 fuel pumps in Malta and Gozo dispensed less fuel than what was paid for, at times as much as 350ml less out of a volume of 20 litres, or about two per cent of every top up.
Although these amounts mean motorists would have been short-changed just a few cents when filling up, the regulator estimates that it added up to a whopping total of €1.1 million a year worth of less fuel to car owners or an average of €2,340 extra income to every fuel pump each year.
The 2011-2013 exercise did not uncover any evidence of tampering and no fuel pump was discovered to be dispensing more fuel than that paid for.
It appeared to be a matter of inaccurate calibration.
Anyone found guilty of tampering with fuel pumps faces up to two years in prison and a maximum fine of €11,000.
All the inspected pumps were calibrated and verified to dispense within the allowed range (± 10 ml in 20l). The pumps were then sealed. Since then, no other tests are known to have been carried out, though the consumer watchdog now plans to start testing all pumps over the coming weeks.
How much ‘inaccurate calibration’?
| Deficiency per 20 litres | Pumps |
| <100ml | 235 |
| 101-150 ml | 175 |
| 151-200 ml | 33 |
| 201 – 250 ml | 6 |
| 251-300 ml | 20 |
| 301-350 ml | 1 |
| Total | 470 |
| Source: Meteorology Directorate, Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority | |