The Directorate General of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion in South Al Batinah Governorate has kicked off an inspection campaign targeting filling stations with a view to ensuring the fuel dispensers are suitably calibrated, while the fuel products sold meet Omani standards and specs. The commitment of filling stations to providing other basic services to the motoring public is also ascertained.
In a post, the ministry said a team of experts, backed by inspection staff, routinely visits filling stations in various governorates of the country to ensure that the marketing of petroleum products is fully in line with stipulated standards.
As part of this exercise, surprise inspections are also carried out throughout the year to ensure the quality and safety of products provided by filling stations to consumers.
The inspections come on the heels of complaints posted on social media recently. Following checks by ministry staff, a few filling stations were ordered shut on the grounds of price manipulation, among other violations.
The ministry has threatened strict penalties, and even the closure of offending facilities, if found in repeated violation of operating guidelines.
According to officials, the vast majority of filling stations operate in full compliance with laws and statutes governing the marketing and sale of petroleum products.
A local merchant confirmed to the Observer that inspections help keep the operators on their toes, while also raising the level of quality and competition between service providers.
