Inspections at Gas Stations: Violations Are Plenty

The Market Surveillance Inspectorate of the Republic of Armenia (hereinafter referred to as the Inspectorate) is conducting oversight based on the requirements established by the decision No. 1101-N of the Government of the Republic of Armenia dated August 28, 2008, on the "Technical Regulations on Minimum Requirements for the Construction and Operation of Gas Filling Stations (GFS)."

According to the Regulations, the Inspectorate conducts oversight regarding the compliance with the requirements related to the components of the filling system and technological equipment.

During 2018, inspections were carried out at a total of 25 gas station operators. Violations were identified at all operators, specifically:

1. Gas is measured in cubic meters instead of kilograms.
2. The gas pressure exceeds the permissible limit of 6 MPa.
3. The measuring instruments in use are not calibrated.
4. Instructions describing the correct filling method are missing from the filling towers.

The Inspectorate urges operators to be conscientious and avoid violations (charging gas beyond the established limits can have unfortunate consequences), and consumers to be publicly vigilant, demand accountability, and cooperate with the Inspectorate.