Can we be assured of the quality and quantity of the fuel we consume in Colombia?

Have you ever wondered if the fuel you buy at a gas station is good and if you are getting the amount you are paying for? It's time to do so! As consumers, we have the right and the duty to know how the safety, quality, and quantity of the fuel we use to fill our vehicles is guaranteed.

The good news is that in Colombia we have strict regulations that allow us to feel at ease when going to gas stations across the country. But let's start by remembering that, throughout the distribution chain of liquid fuels, from refining and importing, through transportation, storage, and mixing with biofuels at wholesale plants, to their final distribution at retail gas stations, the different agents are responsible for complying with the current technical regulations and implementing good practices in order to ensure continuity and quality in the provision of service throughout the country.

This means that each of these agents is responsible for ensuring consumers a continuous and uninterrupted supply of gasoline and diesel, meeting safety and quality standards, and guaranteeing accuracy in the amount of fuel they sell.

Security

The safety of operations at wholesale plants and gas stations is provided through compliance with the current technical regulations issued by the Ministry of Mines and Energy, which establishes the minimum requirements that tanks, pipes, and other installed equipment must meet to reduce the risk of spills and accidents.

Quality

Regarding the quality of fuels, control is based on checking and monitoring their properties throughout the chain.

The refiner, biofuel producers, and importers certify compliance with the parameters established by the Ministries of Mines and Energy and Environment. These standards aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve engine performance.

The transporter by pipeline checks the density, the boiling point, and the flash point of the fuels delivered to the wholesale plants. Then, the wholesale distributors perform control tests of the biofuel and water content, and add additives to improve vehicle performance. And the retail distributors at the service stations preserve the quality of the fuel by checking its appearance and color.

Quantity

The amount of fuel sold to consumers at service stations is guaranteed thanks to the metrological control carried out by the Superintendence of Industry and Commerce (SIC). That is to say, all the pumps, dispensers, or meters of the fuels sold at service stations must comply with the regulations issued by the Superintendence of Industry and Commerce, which requires a measurement accuracy or a maximum permissible error of 0.5%.

These four aspects guarantee us that the fuel sold to us is the correct amount:

1. Authorized Metrological Verification Bodies (OAVM), designated by the SIC, carry out strict administrative and technical tests on each meter, using containers certified by the National Institute of Metrology (INM).

That is to say, not just anyone can go with a soda bottle to measure the amount!

2. As a result of the check, the Authorized Metrological Verification Bodies attach a conformity label to the pump, which is valid for 12 months. Thus, the pumps are verified at least once a year.

3. For greater control, the OAVM install security seals to prevent any type of manipulation or alteration of the equipment after each verification.

4. Additionally, consumers can request a check test of the meter. This procedure is carried out by trained personnel at the station using 5-gallon containers certified by the National Accreditation Body of Colombia (ONAC) or by the National Institute of Metrology (INM).»

We hope that the blog #CombustibleQueNosMueve helps you resolve any doubts. Share it with friends and family!