Fuel bowsers monitored and penalized to ensure compliance with designated routes

 

THE Petroleum Products Supervision and Inspection Department under the Ministry of Electricity and Energy requires fuel bowsers to be equipped with GPS devices and continuously monitors them through its Online Monitoring Centre to ensure compliance with designated routes and prevent the diversion of petroleum products to unauthorized locations.

During routine monitoring, a fuel bowser, which was transporting fuel from Yangon (Thilawa) to Hpa-an, Kayin State, was suspiciously detected stopping near Kyaikto. The information was shared with the Subcommittee on Fuel Oil Import, Storage and Distribution for further investigation, and the bowser was subsequently intercepted at the Mayanchaung checkpoint. Investigations revealed that the fuel had been illegally transferred and sold instead of being delivered to its designated destination. As a result, legal action was taken at Kyaikto Myoma Police Station in accordance with Section 5 of the Essential Supplies and Services Act.

Similarly, a fuel bowser transporting fuel from Yangon (Thilawa) to Myeik, Taninthayi Region, was suspiciously detected stopping near Aloedawpyae Pagoda between Kyaikto and Bilin. The information was immediately relayed to the relevant authorities for inspection, and the vehicle was later found abandoned without its driver near Domar Village in Mudon Township along the Mawlamyine– Thanbyuzayat route. The case is currently investigated at Mudon Myoma Police Station.

The Ministry of Electricity and Energy issues petroleum and petroleum products transport regulatory certificates only after fuel bowsers are equipped with GPS and integrated into its technology-driven regulatory inspection system. To date, a totalof 5,106 fuel bowsers have been equipped with GPS and integrated into the system.

According to the information released by the ministry, regulatory inspection technologies are being upgraded through the use of AI to enhance the monitoring system, which will automatically trigger warning alerts at the control centre if a fuel bowser deviates from its designated route or remains suspiciously stationary for an extended period. The ministry also stated that vehicles found in violation of regulations will have their operations suspended immediately, and effective legal action will be taken against all responsible parties, including business owners.

MNA/TH

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