Zambia Metrology Agency (ZMA) has advised all petroleum transporters to ensure that tanker trucks under their ownership or control are duly verified and fully compliant with applicable metrology laws.
Agency Executive Director Humphrey Nkombeni reminded petroleum transporters and Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) operating in the country that all tanker trucks used for the transportation of petroleum products are required by law to meet prescribed metrological control requirements.
Mr. Nkobeni said this is in accordance with the Metrology Act No. 6 of 2017 and the Metrology (Measuring Instruments) Regulations, Statutory Instrument No. 55 of 2021, particularly Regulation 27.
“This requirement applies to all petroleum tanker trucks, whether used for local or cross-border transportation, and includes tanker trucks registered under the Energy Regulation Act, 2019, or any other written law.”
“In this regard, all tanker trucks operating in Zambia must hold a valid verification certificate issued by the Zambia Metrology Agency,” Mr. Nkobeni emphasized.
He said the Agency has since communicated to all fuel terminals, commercial depots and retail sites to ensure that only compliant tanker trucks are permitted to load or offload petroleum products within Zambia.
Mr. Nkobeni warned that any tanker truck that does not possess a valid verification certificate issued by the Agency will be deemed non-compliant and will not be allowed to carry fuel for commercial purposes.
“For purposes of inspection and compliance monitoring at loading and off-loading points, tanker trucks shall not load or transport petroleum products in excess of, or below, the exact compartment capacities indicated on the valid Metrology Certificate,” he stated.
He cautioned that failure to comply with this requirement will be treated as a contravention of metrology laws.
Mr. Nkobeni further disclosed that the Agency will soon commence a nationwide inspection and enforcement programme to monitor compliance.
“Transporters found to be in contravention of the law shall be liable to enforcement action, which may include prosecution, in accordance with the laws of the Republic of Zambia,” he warned.
