Fill the Weights and Measures stamped 5 litre measure from the nozzle and read the neck scale. The permissible error is ±25 ml in 5 litres (±0.5%). Within ±10 ml, sell. Between 10 and 25 ml, record it and have the nozzle re-stamped within 15 days. Beyond 25 ml, stop that nozzle until it is re-stamped.
Doing the test
- Use the stamped 5 litre measure kept only for pump testing (MDG 1.4.2 b).
- Set the pump to zero and fill exactly 5.00 litres into the measure.
- Let the foam settle and the measure stand level.
- Read the neck scale: minus marks below 5 litres, plus marks above.
- Pour the fuel back into its tank and record it as test fuel.
Do it for every nozzle, every day, before sales start (MDG 1.4.2 d).
The limits
| Reading | What it means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Within ±10 ml | Fine | Record and sell |
| ±10 to ±25 ml | Within the permissible error | Record it; sales go on; recalibrate and re-stamp within 15 days |
| Beyond ±25 ml | Outside the permissible error | Stop sales from that nozzle; tell Legal Metrology and the oil company; sell again only after re-stamping |
MDG 2024, clause 5.1.2: “If Delivery is found within permissible limit i.e. between +/- 10ml and +/- 25 ml per 5 Litre, the same shall be recorded but the sales through the concerned dispensing unit /Nozzle shall not be suspended.” If it is not re-stamped within 15 days, sales from that nozzle stop.
Seals
Clause 1.4.2 (a) also asks the dealer to check the Weights and Measures seals on the metering unit and totalizer every day. A tampered seal means sales from that unit stop at once until the seals are replaced. Use the 5 litre measure test checker to read the result.
Figures here are for reference. Your oil company’s certified calibration chart, approved instruments and the Marketing Discipline Guidelines always prevail.
Questions
Can a customer ask for the test?
Yes. Every outlet must keep a stamped 5 litre measure, and a customer who doubts the quantity can ask to see the nozzle tested.
What do I do with the test fuel?
Pour it back into the tank it came from and record it in the stock register as test fuel. The meter counted it, but nobody bought it, so it comes off the day's sales.
Is excess delivery a problem too?
Yes. The ±25 ml limit runs both ways. A nozzle giving too much costs you money and shows up as a loss in your stock.