ZMA Launches Phase Two of Fuel Pump Verification to Safeguard Consumers
The Zambia Metrology Agency (ZMA) has launched Phase Two of its nationwide statutory verification exercise targeting fuel dispensing instruments, reinforcing efforts to ensure accuracy, fairness, and transparency in the petroleum sector.
The launch event, held at Puma Filling Station on Musi-o-Tunya Road in Lusaka, signals the agency’s continued enforcement of the Metrology Act No. 6 of 2017, which mandates ZMA to verify that all measuring instruments used in trade comply with national standards.
ZMA Executive Director Humphrey Nkobeni stressed that the exercise is a legal requirement and a vital safeguard for consumers, businesses, and government revenue.
“In the petroleum sector, the accuracy of every litre dispensed directly impacts consumer rights, business sustainability, and government revenue,” Nkobeni said. “This verification programme is central to our statutory role and ensures that all stakeholders operate within the framework of legal metrology.”
Phase Two of the initiative will see ZMA dispatch engineers and inspectors across all provinces and districts to test fuel dispensers at service stations. The goal is to confirm that each pump meets measurement standards and carries ZMA certification.
Nkobeni noted that collaboration with oil marketing companies (OMCs) and licensed technician firms is key to the programme’s success.
“In 2024 alone, ZMA conducted 15,756 verifications. This year, we anticipate exceeding 20,000 due to the rising number of service stations across the country,” he said.
To enhance compliance, ZMA also plans to launch training programmes for fuel station attendants to help them monitor dispenser accuracy and uphold legal standards at service points.
The agency has urged the public to be alert when purchasing fuel. Certification stickers on dispensers serve as proof of compliance. Nkobeni encouraged consumers to report any pump lacking the ZMA-issued sticker or suspected of inaccurate readings.
“Public participation strengthens our oversight and enforcement capabilities,” he said.
The launch was attended by stakeholders from the oil marketing sector, verification firms, government ministries, and the media.
ZMA reaffirmed its commitment to consumer protection, national economic integrity, and fair trade through consistent measurement verification.
“Together, let us ensure that every litre dispensed at the pump is accurate, reliable, and fair,” Nkobeni concluded.
