The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has directed its members across the country to immediately inspect their fuel dispensing meters, following a Federal Government warning over alleged under-dispensing of petroleum products. The directive comes after the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) threatened severe sanctions, including the withdrawal of operating licences, for filling stations found short-changing motorists.
PETROAN Issues Immediate Compliance Directive
PETROAN National President Billy Gillis-Harry disclosed the directive on Wednesday during an appearance on Channels Television's The Morning Brief. He said the association had begun taking steps to ensure motorists receive the exact quantity of fuel they purchase.
Gillis-Harry revealed that PETROAN convened an emergency meeting of its National Executive Council on Tuesday following concerns raised by the petroleum regulator. The meeting, which lasted until approximately 10 p.m., resulted in an immediate directive to members across the country to inspect their dispensing equipment and correct any irregularities.
Faulty Meters Can Cause Losses for Retailers
According to Gillis-Harry, the association has circulated instructions to its members, emphasising the importance of accurate measurement and compliance with regulatory standards. He explained that dispensing equipment could develop faults after prolonged use, potentially resulting in customers receiving less fuel than they paid for.
Such faults could also work against retailers, with malfunctioning pumps sometimes dispensing more fuel than the quantity purchased. Gillis-Harry recalled experiencing financial losses in his own retail business after a faulty meter dispensed excess fuel to customers. He maintained that PETROAN members were committed to ensuring that every litre purchased by motorists was accurately dispensed.
FG Threatens Licence Withdrawal for Erring Stations
The nationwide inspection follows the NMDPRA's warning that petroleum retailers caught manipulating dispensing pumps or selling less fuel than customers purchase could face regulatory sanctions. The regulator has threatened to withdraw the operating licences of filling stations found violating dispensing standards.
Gillis-Harry said PETROAN had taken the warning seriously and had already begun engaging its members to identify and address possible equipment faults. He also highlighted the association's collaboration with the Weights and Measures Division of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment and the NMDPRA. Both agencies play important roles in monitoring dispensing equipment and ensuring compliance with measurement standards.
Motorists Advised to Monitor Pump Readings
Meanwhile, Gillis-Harry has urged motorists to remain vigilant when purchasing petrol and other petroleum products. He advised customers to monitor dispensing meters throughout transactions, request receipts and familiarise themselves with their vehicles' fuel tank capacities.
According to him, comparing the quantity displayed on a pump with the vehicle's tank capacity could help motorists identify possible discrepancies. The PETROAN president added that filling station attendants should encourage customers to check meter readings before and after dispensing.
The regulator has also directed other major petroleum marketers' associations to inform their members of the new requirements and support nationwide compliance, according to a Punch report. Legit.ng earlier reported that the NMDPRA has uncovered cases of alleged fuel under-dispensing, 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.
