The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has discovered incidents of under-dispensing of petroleum products at retail outlets nationwide. As a result, the regulator has directed all filling stations to immediately calibrate and verify their fuel dispensers and totalisers. This move aims to ensure accurate measurement and protect consumers from being short-changed. The NMDPRA views under-dispensing as a serious breach of consumer trust.
The regulator has intensified inspections and enforcement operations nationwide to prevent under-dispensing. Filling stations found to be under-dispensing or operating with improperly calibrated equipment will be required to take immediate corrective action. The NMDPRA warned that repeated or serious violations could lead to the withdrawal of operating licences. The directive was issued in an industry circular and posted on the NMDPRA's official X handle.
The NMDPRA's latest enforcement action is part of the Federal Government's efforts to strengthen regulatory oversight of the downstream petroleum sector. Following the removal of petrol subsidy and the transition to a market-based pricing regime, accurate dispensing has become crucial for consumer protection. The regulator stressed that consumer protection remains a key part of its regulatory responsibility.
Under-dispensing occurs when a retail outlet's dispensing equipment delivers less product than the quantity displayed or paid for by the consumer. Faulty or improperly calibrated pumps can result in consumers paying for a volume of petrol that they do not receive. The NMDPRA's directive aims to prevent such practices and improve confidence in petroleum product transactions.
The regulator has directed major industry associations, including the Major Energy Marketers Association of Nigeria, the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria, and the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, to ensure that their members comply with the directive. These associations are expected to promptly notify their members and support full compliance across the industry.
The NMDPRA remains committed to protecting consumers, promoting transparency, and upholding the integrity of petroleum product transactions nationwide. The directive means filling stations now face closer scrutiny of their dispensing equipment, while operators will be expected to correct any identified defects promptly or risk regulatory sanctions.
The move has been welcomed as a step towards ensuring that consumers receive the full value of the product they pay for. With petrol now sold at prices determined largely by market conditions, accurate dispensing has become an important part of consumer protection. The NMDPRA's enforcement action is expected to improve confidence in the downstream petroleum sector.
Key points
- The NMDPRA has directed filling stations to calibrate fuel dispensers to prevent under-dispensing.
- The regulator has intensified inspections and enforcement operations nationwide.
- Repeated or serious violations could lead to the withdrawal of operating licences.
