Motorists in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) of Nigeria have expressed their appreciation for the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority's (NMDPRA) recent crackdown on petrol stations accused of under-dispensing fuel. The motorists, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, believe that this enforcement action will help protect consumers from being short-changed at filling stations. With the high cost of petrol, many motorists feel that it is unfair for filling stations to dispense less fuel than customers paid for.
The NMDPRA's latest directive warns petrol retailers engaged in under-dispensing that persistent violations could lead to the withdrawal of their operating licences. According to the regulator, about 20 filling stations had been sealed between 2025 and 2026 over alleged under-dispensing of petrol. This move has been welcomed by motorists, who feel that it will compel fuel retailers to give them value for their money. Many motorists have reported that sometimes, the fuel they buy does not last long, making it difficult for them to afford the high cost of petrol.
A motorist in Gwarinpa, Mr Vincent Okon, commended the regulator for this move, saying that it would ensure that fuel retailers provide accurate measurements. He noted that motorists were already struggling with the high cost of petrol, making it unfair for filling stations to dispense less fuel than customers paid for. Another motorist in Kubwa, Mr Dauda Jimoh, suggested that pump attendants could be responsible for some of the sharp practices, but also noted that faulty dispensing equipment could contribute to inaccurate fuel measurements.
Mr Jacob Akogun, a motorist in Nyanya, said he had previously believed that under-dispensing was occurring unchecked at some filling stations. He commended NMDPRA's intervention, saying that inaccurate fuel dispensers could make it easier for some retailers to short-change customers. Another motorist, Mr Umar Abdul, described under-dispensing as a criminal act and urged regulators to sustain enforcement. He emphasized that the act is a disregard for the laws of the country.
In Wuse, Mr David Alade described the alleged adjustment of fuel pumps to obtain extra revenue as unfair, particularly amid rising fuel prices and economic hardship. Another motorist, Mr Kinsley Ayinde, said the rising cost of petrol had already forced some motorists to abandon their vehicles because they could no longer afford to fuel them. Many motorists feel that the regulator's move will help to address this issue and ensure that they get value for their money.
The National Publicity Secretary of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Mr Chinedu Ukadike, said the association was aware of NMDPRA's notice and had circulated the information to its members nationwide. He emphasized that in a deregulated economy, independent marketers must protect their reputation and retain customers. IPMAN is working to reorient its members and their employees, and the association will not tolerate practices that result in customers being cheated at the pump.
Ukadike also stressed that marketers have a responsibility to ensure that their dispensing equipment remains accurate. The association is committed to ensuring that its members comply with the regulator's directives and provide accurate measurements to customers. With this move, motorists in the FCT can expect to get value for their money when buying fuel at filling stations. The NMDPRA's crackdown on under-dispensing is expected to continue, with the regulator committed to protecting consumers from sharp practices.
Key points
- The NMDPRA has sealed about 20 filling stations between 2025 and 2026 over alleged under-dispensing of petrol.
- Motorists in the FCT have welcomed the regulator's move, saying it will help protect them from being short-changed at filling stations.
- The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has circulated the NMDPRA's notice to its members nationwide and is working to reorient its members and their employees.
