MEMD and UNBS Report Over 99% Compliance Rate for Fuel Quality in Uganda

The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD) in collaboration with the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) has revealed an impressive 99.3% compliance rate for fuel quality across Uganda. This announcement comes as a result of ongoing efforts to ensure the integrity and standardization of fuel products in the country.

Speaking at the Fuel Marking and Quality Monitoring program (FMQMP) sensitization drives in various Western districts of Uganda including Kasanda, Mityana, Mubende, Kyegegwa, Kyenjojo, Fortportal, and Bundibugyo, Mr. John Friday, Assistant Commissioner in the Petroleum Supply Department at MEMD, highlighted the significant improvement in compliance rates. He stated, “Compliance has improved. We are now operating at 99.3% compliance for the fuel on the market.”

Mr. Friday also noted that while there were isolated cases of adulteration, particularly involving the mixing of petroleum products with paraffin, strict penalties were being enforced in accordance with the Petroleum Supply Act to address such infractions.

According to Mr. Peter Kitimbo, the field supervisor of the Fuel Marking and Quality Monitoring program and Principal Analyst at UNBS Petroleum laboratories, there are 4,877 registered fuel stations in Uganda, with less than 1% found to be non-compliant. Kitimbo emphasized the legal measures in place for dealing with non-compliant stations, including sealing off premises and imposing penalties.

Kitimbo urged all fuel stations to adhere to standards and seek registration with MEMD. He advised consumers to patronize registered fuel stations bearing UNBS stickers on their pumps to ensure the consumption of quality and quantity-assured fuel products.

In a bid to enhance public awareness and participation in maintaining fuel quality standards, Kitimbo discouraged the purchase of petroleum products sold in bottles and jerry cans, emphasizing the importance of regulated distribution channels.

UNBS has called upon the public to report any instances of substandard fuel or fraudulent practices by fuel stations through toll-free lines and WhatsApp channels provided for easy reporting.

The Fuel Marking and Quality Monitoring Program, jointly implemented by MEMD and UNBS, serves as a crucial mechanism for monitoring and controlling the quality of petroleum products throughout the supply chain in Uganda. It underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring consumer protection and upholding standards within the energy sector.