Fill the stamped 5 litre measure from the nozzle and read the neck scale. Within ±10 ml is fine. Between 10 and 25 ml, record it and have the nozzle recalibrated within 15 days. Beyond 25 ml, stop sales from that nozzle until it is re-stamped.
Fill the stamped 5 litre measure from the nozzle and read the neck scale. Pour the fuel back into the tank and enter it as test fuel in the stock register.
What MDG 2024 says
Clause 5.1.2, on short delivery: “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.” The dealer must still have it recalibrated and re-stamped within 15 days. Beyond the permissible limit, sales from that nozzle stop until it is recalibrated and re-stamped.
Clause 1.4.2 (b) asks every outlet to keep a standard 5 litre measure, verified by the Weights and Measures department, used only for pump testing.
Figures here are for reference. Your oil company’s certified calibration chart, approved instruments and the Marketing Discipline Guidelines always prevail.
Questions
What is the permissible error?
±0.5% of the quantity, which is ±25 ml in 5 litres. The Government told the Lok Sabha that this limit has been followed since June 2009 and is part of the Legal Metrology (General) Rules, 2011.
How often should I test?
Every nozzle, every day, before sales start, as clause 1.4.2 (d) of the MDG asks. Customers may also ask for the test at any time.
What happens to the 5 litres?
Pour it back into the tank it came from, and enter it in the stock register as test fuel. The meter counted it, but it is not a sale.