35% of lubricant and grease products substandard: PUCSL sample survey

• Regulator finds illegal and unsafe counterfeit and adulterated lubricants and greases widely available in market

Around 35% of the lubricant and grease products in the market had failed to meet quality stipulated specifications as per a sample survey carried out by the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka.

The PUCSL’s revelation follows its lubricant market monitoring between January and April this year.

PUCSL said stakeholders in the lubricant market are required to ensure compliance to the legal requirements including conformance of their products to the (minimum) SLS or higher, as per the agreements entered into with the Government of Sri Lanka.

“However, it is evident that illegal and unsafe counterfeit and adulterated lubricants and greases are widely available in the market. The presence of these illegal products negates the existence of fair market conditions for such parties and deprives the rights of legitimate customers,” PUCSL said.

It investigated 122 lubricant outlets comprising 41 exclusive lube shops and 81 multi brand shops. Of these, 68 shops operated without agreements with brand owners. Of the 98 samples tested, 34 or (35%) did not meet specifications, PUCSL said.

Presently, there are 26 parties authorised to import, export, blend, manufacture, distribute and sell lubricants under 36 brands. Out of the 26 parties, only four parties have been authorised to import raw materials and blend lubricants in Sri Lanka.

Samples were drawn from products available in the market, especially from highly vulnerable bulk containers and to have them analysed in manufacturer’s laboratory and/or accredited independent laboratories to establish compliance with original batch specifications.

Among observations made by PUCSL were lack of awareness by sales staff (applications, quality etc.); procurement of loose quantities from distributor/suppliers (lower priced); almost all the retail outlets visited sell fast moving products in loose form; many retail outlets do not maintain proper records of products sold (batch no.s etc.).

PUCSL also observed availability of products which do not comply with SLS (non-moving) and most retail outlets do not follow FIFO inventory method, poor house-keeping and pricing irregularities (against quantity).

“PUCSL will actively engage with designated authorities to curtail illegal activities in the market, carrying out raids of unauthorised, counterfeit and adulterated products and for legal prosecution against parties involved in such activities,” it added.