The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has instructed its members nationwide to inspect their fuel dispensing meters. This move follows a warning from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) regarding alleged under-dispensing of petroleum products at retail outlets. PETROAN's National President, Billy Gillis-Harry, announced this directive after an emergency meeting of the association's National Executive Council.
The emergency meeting, which lasted until 10 pm on Tuesday, was convened in response to the NMDPRA's concerns about the accuracy of fuel dispensing at retail outlets. According to Gillis-Harry, PETROAN circulated a message to its members across the country, urging them to check their meters as quickly as possible. He noted that prolonged use can affect the performance of dispensing equipment, leading to either short-measuring or dispensing more fuel than customers paid for.
Gillis-Harry assured motorists that PETROAN members are committed to ensuring that customers receive the accurate quantity of fuel they pay for. He advised motorists to monitor the quantity shown on the dispensing meter during fuel purchases and request receipts after making purchases. Additionally, he urged consumers to familiarize themselves with their vehicle's fuel capacity and compare it with the quantity indicated by the dispenser.
The PETROAN president shared his personal experience of losing money due to a faulty meter in his retail business, which was dispensing more fuel than customers paid for. He emphasized that PETROAN members will always insist on selling products one liter for one liter. Gillis-Harry also mentioned that PETROAN collaborates with the Weights and Measures Division of the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, and the NMDPRA to ensure the maintenance and accuracy of fuel dispensing meters.
The NMDPRA had warned filling station operators against under-dispensing petroleum products, stating that outlets found short-changing consumers could face sanctions, including the withdrawal of their operating licenses. Gillis-Harry confirmed that PETROAN is taking the regulator's warning seriously and has commenced engagement with its members to identify and correct any faults.
PETROAN's collaboration with regulatory authorities ensures that its members' meters are functional, up-to-date, and accurate. Gillis-Harry mentioned that the association consistently works with the Weights and Measures Division and the NMDPRA to achieve this goal. Some PETROAN members have already commenced checks on their meters, according to Gillis-Harry.
The directive to inspect dispensing meters aims to prevent under-dispensing and ensure fair transactions between fuel retailers and consumers. By working together with regulatory authorities, PETROAN aims to maintain transparency and build trust in the fuel retailing industry.
Key points
- PETROAN directs members to inspect fuel dispensing meters following NMDPRA warning on under-dispensing.
- NMDPRA warns filling station operators against under-dispensing petroleum products, threatening sanctions.
- PETROAN collaborates with regulatory authorities to ensure accurate fuel dispensing meters.
