The Federal Government has stepped up its monitoring of filling stations across Nigeria, warning that petrol stations found deliberately under-dispensing fuel could face sanctions, including the revocation of their operating licences.
The warning was issued by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), which directed filling station operators to properly calibrate their dispensing pumps and ensure that motorists receive the quantity of petrol they pay for.
The move follows growing concerns among motorists over alleged discrepancies between the quantity displayed on fuel pumps and the actual volume delivered into vehicle tanks. The regulator said filling stations must comply with established measurement and operational standards.
Under the directive, stations found violating the rules could face regulatory action. The possible sanctions are intended to strengthen accountability within the downstream petroleum sector and protect consumers from unfair practices.
The development comes amid heightened attention on petrol pricing and distribution following recent changes in depot prices. Dangote Petroleum Refinery and several independent marketers have recently reduced their petrol prices as international crude oil prices eased.
With pump prices still varying across locations, regulators are also placing greater emphasis on transparency at the retail level. The NMDPRA’s latest warning means filling stations are expected to ensure that their pumps are accurately calibrated and compliant with regulatory requirements.
The government said enforcement will remain part of efforts to improve consumer protection and bring greater transparency to Nigeria’s downstream petroleum market.
