The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has intensified enforcement against the under-dispensing of petroleum products at retail outlets nationwide, warning operators found compromising dispensing accuracy of severe sanctions.
In an industry circular issued in Abuja, the Authority described under-dispensing as a serious breach of consumer trust and directed all retail outlet operators to immediately calibrate and verify their dispensing pumps and totalizers.
NMDPRA said the measure is aimed at ensuring accurate measurement and guaranteeing that consumers receive the full quantity of petroleum products for which they pay.
The regulator disclosed that it has stepped up inspections and enforcement operations across the country, adding that filling stations found under-dispensing products, using improperly calibrated equipment or otherwise compromising dispensing accuracy would be required to take immediate corrective action.
It warned that persistent or serious violations would attract appropriate regulatory sanctions, including possible revocation of the affected outlet’s licence, in accordance with existing NMDPRA regulations.
The Authority also directed the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN), Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN), Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) and Petroleum Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) to promptly communicate the directive to their members and support full compliance across the industry.
NMDPRA reaffirmed its commitment to protecting consumers, promoting transparency and strengthening the integrity of petroleum product transactions nationwide.
