Proposed Amendment to Legal Metrology Rules: Inclusion of Fuel Dispensers and New Verification Fees

The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution has released a significant draft notification aiming to widen the regulatory framework governing weights and measures in the energy sector. Through the Department of Consumer Affairs, the Central Government has proposed amendments to the existing framework, specifically targeting the verification and testing of various fuel dispensing units.

The draft notification, dated January 1, 2026, introduces the Legal Metrology (Government Approved Test Centre) Amendment Rules, 2026. These proposed rules seek to amend the principal regulations known as the Legal Metrology (Government Approved Test Centre) Rules, 2013. The primary objective is to bring fuel dispensers—ranging from traditional petrol pumps to modern hydrogen dispensing units—under the purview of Government Approved Test Centres (GATCs) for verification purposes.

The proposed changes are drafted in exercise of the powers conferred by clauses (n), (o), and (p) of sub-section (2) of section 52 of the Legal Metrology Act, 2009. The government intends to standardize the verification process for critical energy infrastructure to ensure accuracy and consumer protection.