By CESAR JOLITO III

The Bacolod City council has passed a resolution calling on Mayor Greg Gasataya to investigate possible fuel contamination in the city and to strictly enforce an existing ordinance regulating fuel dispensing pumps in retail outlets.

The measure highlights the need to ensure compliance with City Ordinance 601 in 2012, which mandates the calibration and sealing of fuel dispensing pumps across Bacolod.

Councilor Wilson Gamboa Jr., who chairs the city council’s committee on human rights, emphasized that the ordinance requires regular inspection and spot-checking of fuel pumps to guarantee accurate measurement and adherence to safety standards.

He said proper calibration and sealing are crucial in preventing fuel contamination and protecting consumers from overcharging or receiving less fuel than paid for.

The councilor noted that the ordinance applies to all businesses engaged in the retail of liquid petroleum products within the city, outlining clear guidelines on calibration procedures, registration fees, and penalties for violations.

He stressed that enforcing these regulations not only safeguards motorists by ensuring fuel quality and efficiency but also protects retailers from financial losses due to inaccurate dispensing.

The resolution comes amid rising global fuel prices linked to tensions in the Middle East, which, Gamboa said, underscores the importance of ensuring that every liter of fuel sold is accurately measured and free from impurities.

“Strict implementation of the ordinance is not just a regulatory responsibility but a moral obligation to protect consumers,” Gamboa said./CJ, WDJ