NMDPRA threatens licence revocation for fuel stations under-dispensing products

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The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has threatened to revoke the licences of fuel stations found under-dispensing petroleum products to consumers.

NMDPRA ​‌‍​‌‍‍‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍​⁠‌​⁠‌​gave the directive on Tuesday in an industry circular posted on its X handle, following reported incidents of under-dispensing of petroleum products at retail outlets amid soaring petrol prices.

While describing the practice as a serious breach of consumer trust, the agency directed petroleum retail outlet operators nationwide to immediately calibrate and verify their dispensers and totalisers.

It said the directive was aimed at ensuring accurate measurement and protecting consumers from receiving less product than they paid for.

“The authority has intensified inspections and enforcement activities nationwide.

“Outlets found to be under-dispensing, operating with improperly calibrated equipment, or otherwise compromising dispensing accuracy will 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,” it said.

NMDPRA urged the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN), Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN), and Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) to notify their members.

It also tasked the Petroleum Products
Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) to notify their members of the directive.

It called on the associations to support full compliance across the industry.

NMDPRA reaffirmed its commitment to protecting consumers, promoting transparency and upholding the integrity of petroleum product transactions nationwide.(NAN)