The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has directed its members to immediately inspect and verify the accuracy of their fuel dispensing meters. This move follows concerns raised by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) over possible under-dispensing at filling stations. The directive was issued after an emergency meeting of PETROAN's National Executive Council.
According to PETROAN's National President, Billy Gillis-Harry, the association convened the emergency meeting on Tuesday after the NMDPRA drew attention to concerns surrounding the accuracy of dispensing equipment at retail outlets. The meeting culminated in a directive for members to conduct immediate checks on their fuel dispensing equipment and address any faults identified.
Gillis-Harry explained that fuel dispensing machines could develop faults as a result of prolonged usage, potentially causing discrepancies in the quantity of petroleum products delivered to customers. He noted that a faulty meter could work in either direction, meaning that a consumer could receive less fuel than the quantity paid for, while a retailer could also lose money when a malfunctioning dispenser releases more fuel than the quantity purchased.
The PETROAN president assured motorists that members of the association remained committed to ensuring that customers received the full quantity of petrol for which they paid. He advised motorists to be more vigilant when buying petrol by monitoring the quantity displayed on dispensing pumps throughout the transaction and requesting receipts after making purchases.
Gillis-Harry encouraged consumers to familiarise themselves with the fuel tank capacities of their vehicles and use the information as an additional means of identifying possible discrepancies between the quantity dispensed and the quantity indicated on the pump. He also noted that PETROAN consistently works with relevant government agencies, including the Weights and Measures Division of the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment and the NMDPRA.
The development followed a warning by the NMDPRA to petroleum retail outlets against under-dispensing products to consumers. The regulator had warned that filling stations found deliberately or otherwise short-changing customers could face regulatory sanctions, including the possible withdrawal of their operating licences. PETROAN has treated the regulator's concerns as a matter requiring immediate attention and has already begun engaging its members to identify faulty equipment and ensure compliance.
The association's immediate action is aimed at preventing motorists from being denied the quantity of petroleum products for which they had paid and ensuring that dispensing equipment across its members' outlets remained accurate. PETROAN's move is expected to enhance transparency and build trust between consumers and filling station operators.
Key points
- PETROAN directs members to inspect fuel meters to prevent under-dispensing.
- NMDPRA warns filling stations against under-dispensing products to consumers.
- PETROAN collaborates with government agencies to ensure accuracy of fuel dispensing equipment.
