Over a third of fuel samples in Georgia inconsistent with regulations

Over a third of fuel samples taken at stations across Georgia have had irregularities revealed in them, with the Department of Environmental Supervision launching a wider inspection in response.

The department, part of the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, reported on Wednesday an inspection of over 250 fuel stations across the country was ongoing after results from an earlier check identified inconsistencies with government regulations.

In the inspection in April this year, 32 samples returned deficiencies out of 92, the agency data showed. These included an irregular concentration of sulphur in 14 out of 43 diesel samples and deviation in octane element in 18 out of 49 petrol samples. The agency said the 92 samples had been taken from 29 fuel stations.

The results have prompted a fresh inspection, with the supervision department taking 252 petrol samples from 251 stations throughout Georgia in May. The samples are currently undergoing lab analysis to identify possible deviation from regulations.

The department's release of information about the inspection also quoted its deputy head Neli Korkotadze, who said data from the earlier check had highlighted a need for stricter regulation in the administrative code. A related bill is expected to be submitted to the parliament over the next few days and affect both criminal and administrative codes.