The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) is urging Nigerians to report filling stations involved in under-dispensing petroleum products. George Nne Ita, the NMDPRA spokesperson, made the call during a media briefing on Thursday, emphasising the authority’s commitment to ensuring transparency and consumer protection in the downstream petroleum sector.
This warning follows a surge in complaints from consumers regarding dishonest practices among some fuel marketers, who are allegedly tampering with dispensing pumps to deliver less fuel than paid for. Under-dispensing is a serious violation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), undermining consumer trust and breaching operational standards.
“Under-dispensing is a direct violation of the rights of consumers,” Ita stated. “We are calling on the public to assist us in identifying and sanctioning any filling stations involved in these dishonest practices.”
The Impact on Consumers
Under-dispensing involves the manipulation of fuel pumps to dispense a lesser quantity than indicated, resulting in financial losses for consumers, particularly in a challenging economic climate characterised by fluctuating fuel prices and occasional shortages. Ita highlighted that even small discrepancies could accumulate to significant losses over time, severely affecting motorists and businesses reliant on fuel for daily operations.
Reporting Procedures
To combat this issue, the NMDPRA is encouraging consumers to be vigilant. Ita outlined the steps to report suspected under-dispensing:
- Record Key Details: Note the filling station’s name, location, and transaction time.
- Gather Evidence: Take a photo of the pump reading and the receipt if possible.
- Contact the NMDPRA: Complaints can be lodged through the NMDPRA’s website, customer service hotlines, and social media platforms.
Ita assured the public that all complaints will be investigated promptly and confidentially. “If a station is found guilty of under-dispensing, penalties will follow swiftly,” he added.
Sanctions for Violators
Filling stations guilty of under-dispensing face severe penalties, including hefty fines, operational suspension, and possible revocation of their operating licence. The NMDPRA is collaborating with law enforcement agencies to ensure offenders are prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
A Call for Collaboration
Ita stressed the importance of consumer cooperation in tackling this issue. “We are committed to building a transparent system where operators are held accountable,” he said. The NMDPRA is also working with stakeholders, including civil society organisations, to strengthen oversight and monitoring of filling stations.
The authority plans to launch a nationwide campaign to educate consumers about recognising signs of under-dispensing, including unusually quick filling times or discrepancies in expected fuel amounts.
The NMDPRA’s efforts to combat under-dispensing reflect a broader commitment to reforming Nigeria’s petroleum sector and ensuring that consumers receive full value for their purchases. Ita concluded by encouraging the public to report any filling stations suspected of malpractice.
“We urge all Nigerians to help us protect the integrity of our petroleum industry,” he said. Complaints can be lodged through the NMDPRA’s website or by calling the designated customer service hotlines.
