Fix Your Pumps or Lose Your Licence – NMDPRA Warns Petrol Stations Over Under-Dispensing

The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has cautioned petrol stations across Nigeria against short-changing consumers through inaccurate dispensing of petroleum products.

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The regulator said operators found deliberately or repeatedly dispensing less fuel than customers paid for could lose their operating licences.

The warning was contained in an industry circular issued on Tuesday and shared by the authority on its X handle. It followed reports of inaccurate fuel dispensing at some retail outlets as petrol prices continue to rise.

NMDPRA directed all petroleum retail outlet operators to immediately check, calibrate and verify their fuel dispensers and totalisers to ensure they deliver the quantities displayed to customers.

According to the authority, the measure is necessary to prevent consumers from paying for a specific quantity of fuel but receiving less than the amount purchased.

It said its field officers had stepped up inspections and enforcement operations at filling stations across the country.

“Any outlet found under-dispensing petroleum products or using improperly calibrated equipment will be required to correct the violation immediately,” the authority said.

NMDPRA added that operators who commit persistent or serious breaches could face sanctions, including the revocation of their retail outlet licences, in accordance with existing regulations.

The regulator also directed major industry associations to ensure their members comply with the directive.

They include 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 Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN).

NMDPRA urged the associations to circulate the directive among their members and support efforts to achieve full compliance.

The authority said the enforcement drive was part of its broader responsibility to protect consumers, improve transparency and ensure integrity in petroleum product transactions nationwide.