The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has uncovered cases of under-dispensing at fuel stations across the country, warning that operators found repeatedly violating dispensing standards could have their licences revoked.
The regulatory authority, in a statement issued on Tuesday, September 22, described the practice as a serious breach of consumer trust and announced intensified inspections and enforcement measures against offending outlets.
“The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has observed incidents of under-dispensing of petroleum products at retail outlets nationwide. The Authority views this as a serious breach of consumer trust that will not be tolerated,” the statement reads.
As part of the enforcement measures, NMDPRA directed all retail outlet operators to immediately calibrate and verify their dispensing equipment, including dispensers and totalizers.
“To safeguard the interests of consumers, all retail outlet operators are hereby directed to carry out immediate calibration and verification of all dispensers and totalizers.
“This is intended to guarantee accurate measurement and ensure that consumers receive the full value of the product they pay for.”
The authority said its personnel had stepped up inspections nationwide to identify outlets dispensing quantities below what customers had paid for or using equipment that does not meet required standards.
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NMDPRA said operators found to be violating the requirements would be required to take immediate corrective measures.
“Outlets found to be under-dispensing, operating with improperly calibrated equipment, or otherwise compromising dispensing accuracy will be required to take immediate corrective actions,” NMDPRA said.
The regulator warned that outlets that persist in violating the rules would face sanctions, including possible revocation of their operating licences.
“Persistent or serious violations will be subject to appropriate sanctions, up to and including revocation of the outlet’s license, in line with NMDPRA’s regulations.”
To strengthen compliance across the downstream petroleum sector, NMDPRA also directed major industry associations to notify their members of the directive and encourage them to comply.
The associations named were the Major Energy Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN), Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN), Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), and Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN).
The authority said the enforcement drive was aimed at protecting consumers, improving transparency and ensuring that petroleum product transactions across the country meet established standards.
NMDPRA’s latest action comes shortly after the regulator clarified on September 20 that it does not fix fuel prices or issue administrative price templates.