Consumers at forefront of Trading Standards Service forecourt inspection

Date published: 17 August 2026

At a time of flux in the fuel market and consumers facing price increases, the Department for the Economy’s Trading Standard Service (TSS) conducted 87 unannounced visits to petrol service stations.

The campaign, which ran from April to July, focused on multiple premises across Northern Ireland including supermarket forecourts, service station forecourts, small rural petrol stations, marinas, tyre depots and solid fuel providers that also sell liquid fuel.

Of the 87 inspections completed:

• 371 pieces of equipment were inspected
• 64 pieces of equipment reverified
• 12 were found to be outside the limit of error
• 10 were identified as having non-compliant markings
• 10 were found with incorrect / missing data plate
• 39 had incorrect / missing seals

Judith Gough, TSS Metrology Deputy Chief Inspector, said: “Consumers in Northern Ireland have the right to get exactly what they pay for when they fill up at a pump, especially during times of rising fuel costs.

“While it’s very reassuring that the vast majority of petrol stations are delivering accurate quantities of fuel, the high volume of missing seals and data plates identified during the project is a concern.  Anti-tamper seals are a critical line of defense against fraud and unauthorised equipment adjustments. TSS has worked closely with retail service providers to rectify all issues of non-compliance.”

Through independent testing, TSS ensures that fuel pumps operate accurately and in compliance with legal standards.  This provides confidence to consumers and businesses alike that they are receiving fair value and helps to support transparency and fairness across the marketplace.

Judith added: “The focus of the project was to ensure consumers are protected from short measure fuel while ensuring a level playing field for businesses that operate in this sector.

“The inspections revealed a high level of compliance regarding the dispensing of liquid fuel from the pumps, although some technical deficiencies were uncovered. Where issues were identified, equipment was immediately taken out of service for repair, recalibration or adjustment. If possible, pumps were tested and reverified on the day to ensure any detriment to consumers was addressed.”

Follow-up visits were carried out by TSS at the non-compliant stations to ensure that all issues have now been corrected.

Consumers who suspect a fuel pump may be delivering inaccurate measures are encouraged to report their concerns directly to the Trading Standards Service via Consumerline on 0300 123 62 62 or visit Contact Consumerline to make a complaint or ask for advice | nidirect.