The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has directed petrol station operators across Nigeria to verify the accuracy of their dispensing equipment. This move follows the discovery of cases where motorists and consumers allegedly received less fuel than the quantity displayed and paid for. The regulator aims to ensure accuracy and transparency in petroleum product sales.
According to the NMDPRA, monitoring activities have identified instances of inaccurate dispensing at retail outlets, raising concerns over compliance with measurement requirements in the downstream petroleum market. The regulator has issued a circular in Abuja, intensifying efforts to address the issue. The exercise is intended to ensure that consumers receive the precise quantity of petrol for which they have paid.
The NMDPRA has directed all operators to immediately examine their dispensing pumps and totalisers, calibrate the equipment where necessary, and verify that the systems are accurately measuring the volume of petroleum products delivered to customers. The regulator described under-dispensing as a serious violation, warning that it would not overlook breaches that result in consumers being shortchanged.
As part of its response, the NMDPRA has expanded its inspection and enforcement activities across the country to identify retail outlets whose dispensing equipment does not meet the required accuracy standards. Stations found to be dispensing below the stated quantity or operating with improperly calibrated pumps and totalisers will be required to rectify the identified deficiencies immediately.
The Authority warned that the consequences could become more severe for operators that fail to comply with the directive or repeatedly violate the applicable requirements. Sanctions for persistent or serious breaches could include regulatory penalties and, in more severe cases, withdrawal of the affected station’s operating licence.
The NMDPRA has enlisted the support of major industry associations in driving compliance with the directive. The regulator directed the Major Energy Marketers Association of Nigeria, Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria, Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, and Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria to circulate the directive among their members.
The enforcement measures form part of the NMDPRA’s broader responsibility to strengthen consumer protection, promote transparency in downstream petroleum transactions, and preserve the integrity of the retail market. The development comes amid the NMDPRA’s continued monitoring of retail outlets, with the regulator seeking to ensure that consumers are not disadvantaged through inaccurate measurement of petroleum products at filling stations.
Key points
- The NMDPRA has directed petrol station operators to verify the accuracy of their dispensing equipment to address under-dispensing.
- The regulator has expanded its inspection and enforcement activities to identify non-compliant retail outlets.
- Failure to comply with the directive may result in regulatory penalties and withdrawal of operating licences.
