The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has directed petroleum retail outlet operators nationwide to immediately calibrate and verify their dispensers and totalisers to stop under-dispensing of products to consumers. This move aims to ensure accurate measurement and protect consumers from receiving less product than they paid for. The directive was issued in an industry circular posted on the NMDPRA's X handle.
The NMDPRA's directive was prompted by reported incidents of under-dispensing of petroleum products at retail outlets amid soaring petrol prices. The agency described the practice as a serious breach of consumer trust. The NMDPRA has intensified inspections and enforcement activities nationwide to address this issue. Outlets found to be under-dispensing will be required to take immediate corrective action.
The NMDPRA has threatened to revoke the licences of fuel stations found under-dispensing petroleum products to consumers. 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. The agency urged petroleum retail outlet operators to comply with the directive to avoid sanctions.
The NMDPRA has tasked the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN), Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN), and Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) to notify their members of the directive. The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) was also tasked with notifying its members. The NMDPRA called on the associations to support full compliance across the industry.
The NMDPRA reaffirmed its commitment to protecting consumers, promoting transparency, and upholding the integrity of petroleum product transactions nationwide. The agency's efforts aim to ensure that consumers receive fair value for their money. The NMDPRA's directive is a significant step towards addressing the issue of under-dispensing of petroleum products.
The directive is expected to have a positive impact on consumers, who have been affected by the under-dispensing of petroleum products. The NMDPRA's move will help to restore trust in the petroleum industry. Consumers can now expect to receive accurate measurements of petroleum products at retail outlets.
The NMDPRA's enforcement activities will continue nationwide to ensure compliance with the directive. The agency's efforts will help to promote a fair and transparent petroleum market.
Key points
- The NMDPRA has directed petroleum retail outlet operators to calibrate and verify their dispensers and totalisers to stop under-dispensing of products.
- The agency has threatened to revoke the licences of fuel stations found under-dispensing petroleum products.
- The NMDPRA has tasked industry associations to notify their members of the directive and support full compliance.
