The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority has ordered filling station operators nationwide to immediately inspect, calibrate and verify their fuel dispensers to ensure motorists receive the exact quantity they pay for.

The directive follows intensified enforcement against outlets accused of under-dispensing petrol, with the regulator warning that persistent or serious violations could lead to the revocation of operating licences.

The NMDPRA said it had detected cases of under-dispensing at retail outlets nationwide, describing the practice as a serious breach of consumer trust. Operators found using faulty or improperly calibrated equipment must take immediate corrective action.

The authority has already sealed several filling stations over the offence. In February, 11 stations in Rivers State were shut during an enforcement exercise, while two outlets in Ogun State were sealed in July for under-dispensing and other regulatory breaches.

Marketers put on notice

The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria said it had circulated the directive to members nationwide.

IPMAN Publicity Secretary, Chinedu Ukadike, said the deregulated downstream market makes quality, price and quantity critical to retaining customers.

He, however, acknowledged that individual pump attendants could engage in sharp practices and said the association would intensify efforts to educate and monitor workers.

“We are ready to ensure no customer is cheated at the pumps,” Ukadike said.

The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Association of Nigeria also directed members to urgently inspect their dispensing meters.

Its National President, Billy Gillis-Harry, said PETROAN convened an emergency meeting following the NMDPRA warning and instructed members to check their equipment.

He noted that prolonged use could cause pumps to malfunction, resulting in either under- or over-dispensing.

NMDPRA threatens licence revocation

The regulator said faulty equipment would not excuse operators from compliance, stressing that station owners are responsible for ensuring their meters remain accurate.

It has directed industry groups, including IPMAN, PETROAN, MEMAN and DAPPMAN, to notify their members and support full compliance.

The NMDPRA urged motorists to monitor pump displays when buying fuel and request receipts for transactions.

The latest crackdown is part of the authority’s broader effort to strengthen consumer protection and transparency in the downstream petroleum sector, particularly under the deregulated petrol market.

Operators now face closer scrutiny, with stations that fail to ensure accurate dispensing risking sanctions, suspension or outright loss of their operating licences.