The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has uncovered cases of petroleum retailers giving customers less fuel than they paid for, warning that affected stations could lose their operating licences. The regulator described the practice, known as under-dispensing, as a serious violation of consumers’ rights and said it would step up inspections and enforcement nationwide.
NMDPRA Orders Immediate Pump Calibration and Verification
In a statement issued on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, NMDPRA directed all petrol station operators to immediately check and calibrate their dispensing equipment. According to the authority, retail outlet operators must carry out immediate calibration and verification of their fuel dispensers and totalizers to ensure accurate measurement.
The regulator said the directive was necessary to protect consumers and guarantee that motorists receive the exact quantity of petroleum products for which they pay. NMDPRA warned that under-dispensing undermines consumer confidence and would not be tolerated across the downstream petroleum sector.
Sanctions for Persistent or Serious Violations
NMDPRA said it had intensified inspections and enforcement operations across the country to identify outlets that fail to comply with dispensing standards. Petrol stations found to be under-dispensing, using poorly calibrated equipment or engaging in practices that compromise measurement accuracy will be ordered to take immediate corrective action.
The authority warned that persistent or serious violations could attract sanctions, including the revocation of the affected outlet’s operating licence. This move aims to ensure that consumers receive the full quantity of fuel they pay for, thereby maintaining trust in the retail petroleum market.
Regulator Alerts Marketers and Industry Groups
NMDPRA also directed major industry groups, including the Major Energy Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN), Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN), Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) and Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN), to inform their members about the directive and support compliance.
The regulator said it remains committed to protecting consumers, improving transparency and maintaining the integrity of petroleum product transactions nationwide. The warning comes days after the authority clarified on September 20 that it does not determine petrol prices or issue administrative price templates for petroleum products.
