The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has warned petrol station operators against under-dispensing petroleum products, saying persistent or serious violations could lead to the revocation of their licences. In a circular issued on Tuesday in Abuja, the authority disclosed that it had observed incidents of under-dispensing at retail outlets nationwide. The NMDPRA described the practice as a serious breach of consumer trust.
The authority has directed all retail outlet operators to immediately calibrate and verify their dispensers and totalisers to ensure accurate measurement of petroleum products sold to consumers. This move aims to safeguard the interests of consumers and guarantee accurate measurement, ensuring that consumers receive the full value of the product they pay for. The NMDPRA has intensified inspections and enforcement activities nationwide to monitor compliance.
The regulator warned that outlets found under-dispensing or operating with improperly calibrated equipment would be required to take immediate corrective action. 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 authority urged industry associations to notify their members of the directive and support compliance across the industry.
The NMDPRA's directive applies to all retail outlet operators, including those affiliated with 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. The authority expects these associations to support compliance and ensure that their members adhere to the regulations.
The NMDPRA remains committed to protecting consumers, promoting transparency, and upholding the integrity of petroleum product transactions nationwide. The authority's efforts aim to prevent under-dispensing and ensure that consumers receive accurate measurement and value for their money. The regulator's warning is a move to maintain trust and confidence in the petroleum industry.
The circular was issued on September 22, 2026, and the NMDPRA has begun enforcement activities to ensure compliance. The authority's actions demonstrate its commitment to enforcing regulations and protecting consumers. Petrol station operators are expected to take immediate action to calibrate and verify their dispensers and totalisers to avoid sanctions.
The NMDPRA's warning and directive have significant implications for petrol station operators and consumers alike. The authority's efforts to prevent under-dispensing and ensure accurate measurement will help maintain trust and confidence in the petroleum industry. Consumers can expect to receive fair value for their money, while petrol station operators must ensure compliance to avoid licence revocation.
Key points
- The NMDPRA has warned petrol station operators against under-dispensing petroleum products, threatening licence revocation for persistent or serious violations.
- The authority has directed retail outlet operators to calibrate and verify their dispensers and totalisers to ensure accurate measurement of petroleum products.
- The NMDPRA has intensified inspections and enforcement activities nationwide to monitor compliance and prevent under-dispensing.
