NMDPRA raises concern over fuel under-dispensing at stations, threatens licence revocation

The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) says it has detected cases of under-dispensing of petroleum products at retail outlets nationwide, warning that offenders risk having their licences revoked.

In a statement on Tuesday, the authority described under-dispensing as a serious breach of consumer trust and said it would intensify enforcement against affected 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.

“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 it has also intensified inspections and enforcement activities across the country.

“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.

“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.”

NMDPRA also asked 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), to notify their members of the directive and support compliance.

The authority said it remains committed to protecting consumers, promoting transparency and upholding the integrity of petroleum product transactions nationwide.

On September 20, NMDPRA said it does not fix fuel prices or issue administrative price templates.(TheCable)