NMDPRA threatens to revoke petrol stations’ licences over under-dispensing

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The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority has warned petrol station operators against under-dispensing petroleum products, saying persistent or serious violations could lead to the revocation of their licences.

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The authority disclosed this in a circular issued on Tuesday in Abuja, saying it had observed incidents of under-dispensing at retail outlets nationwide.

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The NMDPRA described the practice as “a serious breach of consumer trust that will not be tolerated.”

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It directed all retail outlet operators to immediately calibrate and verify their dispensers and totalisers to ensure accurate measurement of petroleum products sold to consumers.

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The authority said, “To safeguard the interests of consumers, all retail outlet operators are hereby directed to carry out immediate calibration and verification of all dispensers and totalizers.

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“This is intended to guarantee accurate measurement and ensure that consumers receive the full value of the product they pay for.”

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The NMDPRA said it had intensified inspections and enforcement activities nationwide, warning that outlets found under-dispensing or operating with improperly calibrated equipment would be required to take immediate corrective action.

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“Persistent or serious violations will be subject to appropriate sanctions, up to and including revocation of the outlet’s license, in line with NMDPRA’s regulations,” it said.

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The regulator also urged 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 notify their members of the directive.

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The authority said the associations were expected to support compliance across the industry.

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“NMDPRA remains committed to protecting consumers, promoting transparency, and upholding the integrity of petroleum product transactions nationwide,” the statement added.

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