The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development together with Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) expects to launch a standard model that will regulate the midstream and downstream sector of the oil industry.

The guide which will compel companies involved in oil production and finished petroleum product importers to follow certain regulations is expected to be launched on October 6 in Kampala according to UNBS.

UNBS Deputy Executive Director Patricia Ejalu said the regulations are designed “In order to ensure compliance in the production of oil and gas in Uganda and also provide for quality assurance in the importation of petroleum products into the country, there was need to develop a wide range of standards for the petroleum sector.”

This, she said, was to “enable Uganda petroleum products to meet the local and international markets requirements and thus assuring market access.”

Standards provide detailed characteristics of processes, products and services which may not be included in the law or regulations.

“Standards play a vital role in streamlining and regulating the petroleum industry,” Ejalu explained.

Credit: New Vision