The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has intensified its enforcement against retail outlets found to be under-dispensing petroleum products to consumers across the country.
The Authority, in a directive issued in Abuja, described under-dispensing as a serious breach of consumer trust and warned petroleum retailers that violations would no longer be tolerated.
NMDPRA directed all operators of retail outlets to immediately calibrate and verify their dispensing pumps and totalizers to ensure that consumers receive the exact quantity of products for which they pay.
According to the regulator, the measure is aimed at protecting consumers from inaccurate measurements and strengthening the integrity of petroleum product transactions nationwide.
The Authority said it had already stepped up inspections and enforcement operations at retail outlets across the country, adding that stations found to be under-dispensing or operating with improperly calibrated equipment would be compelled to take immediate corrective action.
NMDPRA further warned that persistent or serious violations would attract appropriate sanctions, including the possible revocation of the affected outlet’s operating licence, in accordance with its regulations.
The regulator also called on the Major Energy 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) to promptly communicate the directive to their members and ensure compliance across the industry.
NMDPRA said the intensified enforcement was part of its broader commitment to protecting consumers, promoting transparency and ensuring accuracy in petroleum product transactions.
The Authority stressed that retail outlets must uphold proper dispensing standards and comply with regulatory requirements, as consumers would not be left to bear the cost of inaccurate measurements.
