The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Enugu Depot, has established a task force to ensure its members adhere to all approval processes and regulations. This move aims to prevent filling stations from shortchanging fuel buyers. The task force was set up during an emergency Annual General Meeting with members of the Petroleum Dealers Association of Nigeria (PDAN) and representatives of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
IPMAN Enugu Depot issued a communiqué after the meeting, calling on its members to fully comply with under-dispensing and meterage guidelines. The association emphasized the need for retail outlet operators to carry out immediate calibration and verification of all dispensers and totalizers. This step is crucial in safeguarding consumer interests and ensuring accurate measurement. By doing so, consumers will receive the full value of the product they paid for.
The NMDPRA had previously called on stakeholders to take this step, and IPMAN is working to guarantee accurate measurement and compliance with established tolerance limits for measurement and license renewal among its members. The association reminded its members that offenders for under-dispensing face a N250,000 penalty for the first instance, while repeated defaulters risk sealing and outright revocation for three to six months.
IPMAN also appealed to the NMDPRA to grant its members a moratorium to obtain their licenses if they have not yet done so. The association assured the NMDPRA of promoting and maintaining a cordial working relationship for the progress of the industry and to serve the public in the best possible way. This collaboration aims to ensure that filling stations operate fairly and transparently.
The communiqué warned marketers that tampering with the seal by covering, removing, or selling from the pump is a grave offence that attracts a fine. IPMAN urged its members to report cases of under-loading at the depot to the petroleum tanker drivers’ union rather than incur fines by tampering with the meterage guidelines. This approach will help prevent unnecessary penalties and ensure compliance.
IPMAN and PEDAN assured the NMDPRA that they will work round the clock to ensure that their members do not surcharge the public in the course of sales. The associations are committed to promoting fair practices and protecting consumer interests. By doing so, they aim to build trust and confidence in the industry.
Stations that fail to renew their licenses will be penalised, and their facility sealed. Those who commence renewal after the 90-day grace window will be subject to a late entry penalty of N100,000. IPMAN’s task force will monitor compliance and enforce these regulations to prevent shortchanging of fuel buyers and ensure a fair market.
Key points
- IPMAN sets up task force to ensure filling stations comply with regulations.
- The association aims to prevent shortchanging of fuel buyers and ensure accurate measurement.
- Offenders for under-dispensing face penalties, including fines and revocation of licenses.
