Dear Editor,
The fuel marking programme in Guyana using Authentix technology has been in operation since 2003. Authentix has over 20 years’ experience in deploying fuel marking programmes similar to the GEA programme, having marked well over one trillion liters of fuel. Today Authentix supports programmes for some of the largest oil companies and oil producing countries in the world, helping them combat fuel adulteration, commingling, smuggling, franchise abuse, and excise tax evasion.
We take lessons learned and technology developments from these government and commercial programmes and apply them in continuous improvement efforts across all our programmes. In Guyana, we provide technology, training, technical support and auditing of programme operations to enable the GEA to deliver an effective programme for the people of Guyana. Testing results made publicly available in Guyana, demonstrate that the GEA has been truly effective in reducing adulteration of taxed fuel, allowing the government to collect the taxes rightfully due – reducing evidence of dilution from near 30% of samples collected to consistently less than 3%.
A key element of our support to the GEA programme is regular auditing of operations to ensure procedures are properly followed, adequate programme security measures are in place, and all equipment and marker inventory is properly accounted for. Our experience with the GEA’s CEO, Dr. Sharma, has been that he has been vigilant in identifying existing or potential issues and requesting assistance from Authentix to put corrective measures in place to address them.
Additionally, when Authentix has found any issues in audits conducted twice yearly, we have received the full attention and cooperation from Dr. Sharma to identify the root causes of those issues and put the appropriate action plans in place to address them. The audits include thorough reviews of the procedures that cover how the fuel is to be marked, how field samples are to be taken and handled, and the field and laboratory testing procedures.
The audit also includes a review of records and procedures that cover the security measures to be used to account for and protect both the fuel marker inventory and the analyzers used to test fuel samples. The procedures in place in Guyana are consistent with the best practices of Authentix’ largest customers. Any deficiencies or deviations from procedures noted during an audit, whether operational or in the record keeping, are documented in writing along with the corrective actions needed. The GEA personnel act on these findings to improve the effectiveness of the overall programme. Authentix also provides consulting services to the GEA on an as needed basis to address any specific issues that may impact the programme’s success.
The GEA and Authentix have cooperated for the last decade to help create a legal fuel market in Guyana and to prevent tax evasion. Authentix is committed to the continuation of the fuel marking programme and providing the GEA with technology and support services for the benefit of the citizens of Guyana. The actions and work ethic I have seen demonstrated by the GEA leadership is consistent with this ultimate goal of benefiting the citizens of Guyana.
Yours faithfully,
Kevin A. McKenna
President, Oil & Gas, Authentix
