The supplier of a faulty petrol pump that caused customers to be overcharged at a fuel station in Tuen Mun for three months was fined HK$4,500 yesterday.
Flowco Sales and Services admitted breaching the Weights and Measures Ordinance after its technician mis-adjusted the flow meter on the machine at the Esso station in Tuen Yan Street, causing it to over-record the fuel sold by 5.89 per cent.
A charge against the station owner, Exxonmobil, of using the faulty dispenser, was withdrawn after the Department of Justice accepted the firm was unaware of the error.
The oil company said it had paid out more than HK$50,000 to customers affected in more than 870 problem transactions.
Flowco apologised to the public yesterday for the error, which caused buyers to be overcharged about HK$30 for 50 litres.
The fault was found during a spot check by customs officials on January 8 and the error was found to have been caused on or before October 23 last year.
