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

The Authority disclosed this in a statement posted on its official X account on September 22, as it announced intensified inspections and enforcement activities at petrol stations nationwide.

The development comes amid a recent increase in petrol pump prices and the NMDPRA’s intensified efforts to monitor the downstream petroleum market and curb exploitative practices.

The regulator said it had identified cases of under-dispensing of petroleum products at retail outlets across the country, describing the practice as a serious breach of consumer trust that would not be tolerated.

The Authority directed all retail outlet operators to immediately calibrate and verify their dispensers and totalisers to ensure consumers receive the exact quantity of petrol they pay for.

It said the exercise was aimed at ensuring accurate measurement at filling stations and protecting consumers from receiving less than the volume of petroleum products purchased.

The NMDPRA urged operators to comply with the directive, stressing that accurate dispensing was essential to safeguarding consumers and ensuring they receive full value for their money.

The Authority said it had intensified inspections and enforcement activities across the country to ensure compliance.

It added that filling stations found to be under-dispensing petrol, using improperly calibrated equipment or otherwise compromising dispensing accuracy would be required to take immediate corrective action.

“Persistent or serious violations will be subject to appropriate sanctions, up to and including revocation of the outlet’s license, in line with NMDPRA’s regulations.”

The Authority also urged the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria, Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria, Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria and Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria to promptly communicate the directive to their members and support full compliance across the industry.