UNBS wants capability to test petroleum products

Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) is looking to their government to help them establish a modern laboratory to test petroleum products in the face of substandard products in the marketplace. According to Terry Kahuma, executive director of UNBS, “We are aware that the market is flooded with substandard petroleum products like petrol mixed with water and recycled lubricants. Diesel is sometimes mixed with paraffin, but we cannot hold the culprits accountable because UNBS cannot subject these products to chemical tests.” The current role of the organization is to oversee petrol sold at gas stations, but Kahuma states that the testing equipment that UNBS has is inadequate to do the job. Kahuma also addressed the judicial system which does not prosecute offenders who put counterfeit petroleum products on the market. The State Minister for Energy, Simon D’Ujanga indicated the government would work to get rid of illegal operators and make sure the 2003 Petroleum Act is enforced. (February 21, 2011)