New Delhi, May 11 -- The Centre has amended rules to allow private, government-approved testing centres (GATCs) to inspect and certify petrol, diesel, and gaseous fuel dispensing machines, as it aims to reduce delays, ease compliance, and protect consumers, according to an official order reviewed by Mint.

The calibration and verification certificate, which must be obtained every year, has become a massive exercise. As a result, government inspectors are often unable to complete the process on time, leading to operational bottlenecks for fuel retailers.

Permitting government-approved private facilities will expand testing infrastructure and ease compliance burdens, while ensuring that that the dispensers are accurate and don't cheat cons...