NMDPRA Warns Petrol Stations Over Under-Dispensing, Threatens Licence Revocation

The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has warned petrol station operators nationwide that persistent or serious cases of under-dispensing could attract regulatory sanctions, including the revocation of operating licences.

 The warning was issued by the Authority on September 22 through its official social media platform as it announced intensified inspections and enforcement activities across the country.

 NMDPRA said the inspections are aimed at ensuring compliance with applicable regulations and protecting consumers from practices that could result in motorists receiving less petrol than they have paid for.

 Under-dispensing occurs when a fuel pump delivers a quantity of petrol below the volume displayed or paid for by a customer. Persistent discrepancies can result in financial losses for consumers and undermine confidence in the downstream petroleum market.

 The regulator said operators found engaging in serious or repeated violations could face enforcement measures, with licence revocation among the sanctions available to the Authority.

 The warning comes amid renewed consumer sensitivity to petrol prices following recent increases at filling stations across the country.

 The latest enforcement drive also forms part of NMDPRA’s wider regulatory responsibilities in monitoring the downstream petroleum sector and ensuring that retail outlets comply with operational, pricing and consumer-protection requirements.

 Petrol station operators are therefore expected to ensure that dispensing equipment is properly calibrated and maintained, while complying with applicable metering and retail requirements.

 NMDPRA’s position signals increased regulatory scrutiny of retail fuel outlets as the Authority seeks to curb practices that could disadvantage consumers and ensure greater accountability across the downstream petroleum value chain.