The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority has ordered the immediate calibration and verification of fuel dispensers and totalisers at filling stations nationwide.
The directive followed reports of under-dispensing of petroleum products at some retail outlets across the country.
The authority issued the directive in a circular on Tuesday, warning filling station operators against short-changing consumers.
The NMDPRA described under-dispensing as a serious breach of consumer trust, stressing that motorists and other consumers must receive the quantity of fuel for which they pay.
It said the exercise was aimed at ensuring accurate measurement and protecting consumers from losses at petrol stations.
The authority also disclosed that it had intensified inspections and enforcement operations across the country.
It warned that filling stations found under-dispensing products, using improperly calibrated equipment or compromising dispensing accuracy would be required to take immediate corrective action.
The NMDPRA further warned that persistent or serious violations could attract sanctions, including the revocation of the affected outlet’s licence.
The regulator 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 immediately communicate the directive to their members.
The associations were also urged to support full compliance with the directive across the petroleum retail sector.
The NMDPRA said the measure was part of its efforts to protect consumers, promote transparency and strengthen the integrity of petroleum product transactions nationwide.
Never miss a moment! Get the stories shaping Nigeria, delivered straight to your phone. Follow Peoplesdaily Newspaper on WhatsApp for breaking news, exclusive reports, and the headlines everyone will be talking about, before anyone else.
