PETROAN has directed all its members across Nigeria to conduct immediate inspections of their fuel dispensing meters following allegations of under-dispensing raised by the regulator.
The Petroleum Traders Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) summoned its National Executive Council for an emergency meeting to address the issue. This follows concerns brought forward by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) regarding the accuracy of fuel delivery at various retail outlets.
The directive aims to ensure that all petroleum products are dispensed according to standard measurements, preventing the loss of consumer trust and protecting retailers from regulatory sanctions.
Regulatory scrutiny on fuel retailers
The association’s move comes after the NMDPRA raised the issue of fuel under-dispensing, prompting an urgent internal review within the petroleum trading community. Under-dispensing, where the amount of fuel pumped into a vehicle is less than what is displayed on the meter, has long been a point of contention between consumers and petrol station operators.
The NMDPRA holds the mandate to oversee the midstream and downstream sectors, ensuring that all players comply with safety and technical standards. The authority has the power to penalise stations found to be using faulty or tampered equipment through heavy fines or the suspension of operating licences.
By ordering a nationwide check of meters, PETROAN is seeking to verify that its members’ equipment is properly calibrated and functioning within the legal thresholds. The emergency meeting with the National Executive Council will likely focus on establishing uniform calibration protocols and addressing any technical challenges members face in maintaining these meters.
The issue is particularly critical given the current economic pressures on Nigerian households. With fuel prices remaining a central concern for the public, any discrepancy in the volume of fuel delivered can lead to heightened tension between motorists and retail stations.
The NMDPRA is expected to increase its monitoring and enforcement activities at various retail outlets to ensure that the directive from PETROAN leads to tangible improvements in dispensing accuracy.
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