JEDDAH — Expatriate workers who are caught tampering with gas pump meter readings will be sent to security authorities for deportation and will not be permitted to re-enter the Kingdom, a joint statement from three government agencies said. The Ministry of Commerce, the Ministry of Energy and the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) inspected a number of gas stations following illegal practices spotted at these stations and reported to the Ministry of Commerce by a number of consumers. "After testing the accuracy of gasoline dispensers, it was discovered that certain workers had retrieved past gas pump meter readings and modified them to the highest pricing." The statement said that the inspection was conducted in response to reports and videos posted on social media websites revealing certain workers tinkering with gas pump meter readings. The last ten readings from gas pump meters can be retrieved for accounting purposes or in the event of any complaints or reports. In order to protect the interests of customers, SASO's National Metrology Program (TAQYEES) will look at codifying this feature in coordination with gas pump manufacturers. The ministries of commerce and energy, in collaboration with SASO, also added that inspections of specific gas stations in the Eastern Province and Jeddah Governorate are continuing in order to discover these violations. The three government agencies reiterated their commitment to protecting consumers' rights and responding to complaints and reports via the Commercial Violation App, at 1900, or on the ministry's website.
