Checked against the Marketing Discipline Guidelines 2024 (Ver. 1, effective 24.10.2024) on 15 October 2026. Published by MDG Services on 21 October 2026.
The check, step by step
The supply location writes the 15°C density on the invoice MDG 2.2.1(iv), and on arrival the dealer matches it against the lorry MDG 1.1(v). The rest of the receipt checklist is on receiving a tanker. The density part runs in this order MDG 1.2(vii) MDG 1.2(viii):
- Note the invoice density. Your reading is compared with this figure MDG 1.1(v) MDG 1.2(iv).
- Finish the dip and water checks first. See water finding paste MDG 1.2(vii).
- Run off about 20 litres at the manifold of each compartment, then fill a clear glass container from that compartment MDG 1.2(viii).
- Read density and temperature on each compartment's own sample MDG 1.2(viii).
- Convert to 15°C with ASTM Table 53B or the 15°C calculator, and compare. The result must be within ±3.0 kg/m³ of the invoice MDG 1.2(iv).
- Record each compartment's reading in the register MDG 1.2(viii).
The retention sample follows once the density is within limits; see retention samples MDG 1.2(x) MDG 2.3. The invoice figure stays the reference density until the lorry is decanted; see the reference density rule MDG 2.10.
If a compartment is outside ±3.0 kg/m³
MDG gives one instruction. If you doubt the quality of the product, contact the supply location or the area field officer concerned MDG 1.2(ix).
General practice, not an MDG rule: treat a compartment outside ±3.0 kg/m³ as a doubt, keep it out of the tank and call before decanting. Confirm with your oil company how it wants this handled.
An example
An illustration with made-up figures. The invoice shows 743.0 kg/m³ at 15°C. After conversion with the ASTM table, a three-compartment tanker reads:
| Compartment | 15°C figure | Difference from 743.0 | Within ±3.0? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 744.5 | +1.5 | Yes |
| 2 | 745.0 | +2.0 | Yes |
| 3 | 746.5 | +3.5 | No |
Compartment 3 is 0.5 beyond the limit. You record all three readings MDG 1.2(viii) and, if you doubt compartment 3, contact the supply location or area field officer MDG 1.2(ix).
Watch the one-minute explainer
Questions dealers ask
01What is invoice density?
It is the 15°C density the supply location writes on the tank lorry's invoice MDG 2.2.1(iv). Until the lorry is decanted, it is also the reference density for any sample MDG 2.10.
02How to calculate density of petrol at 15°C?
You do not calculate it by hand. Read the hydrometer and the thermometer on the sample, then convert to 15°C with the ASTM density conversion table (Table 53B) MDG 1.2(iv) MDG 1.5(vi).
03How much difference between the invoice density and my reading is allowed?
The 15°C density must be within ±3.0 kg/m³ of the invoice density, and each compartment's sample is checked individually MDG 1.2(iv) MDG 1.2(viii).
04What if the tanker density does not match the invoice?
Contact the supply location or the area field officer concerned for instructions MDG 1.2(ix). MDG gives no further steps for this case, so ask your oil company.
05Where do I write the tanker density readings?
In the density register. The Annexure 1 format has room for each compartment's reading, the invoice density and the density after decanting MDG 1.2(viii) MDG Annexure 1.
Read the official text: Marketing Discipline Guidelines 2024 (PDF on Bharat Petroleum's website) (also published on iocl.com).
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