The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority has cautioned petrol station operators against short changing consumers through under dispensing, warning that repeated or severe violations could result in the revocation of their operating licences.
The regulator issued the warning in a circular released on Tuesday in Abuja, noting that its monitoring activities had uncovered cases of inaccurate dispensing at retail outlets across the country.
According to the NMDPRA, under dispensing undermines consumer confidence and constitutes a serious violation that would attract regulatory action.
It consequently directed operators of all retail outlets to immediately inspect, calibrate and verify their dispensing pumps and totalisers to ensure that customers receive the exact quantity of petroleum products for which they pay.
The authority said the exercise was necessary to guarantee accurate measurement and protect consumers from being short changed during petroleum product transactions.
The NMDPRA also disclosed that it had stepped up nationwide inspections and enforcement operations, adding that outlets discovered to be under dispensing or using improperly calibrated equipment would be directed to correct the violations immediately.
It warned that operators who repeatedly breach the directive, or commit serious violations, could face sanctions ranging from regulatory penalties to the revocation of their licences.
The regulator further directed the Major Energy Marketers Association of Nigeria, Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria, Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria and Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria to communicate the directive to their members and encourage compliance.
The NMDPRA said the move was part of its efforts to protect consumers, improve transparency and maintain integrity in the sale of petroleum products across the country.
