Oil Regulatory Body Warns Filling Stations Against Fuel Pump Tampering

In a bid to maintain transparency and protect consumers' interests, the National Department of Petroleum Resources and Affairs (NMDPRA) has issued a stern warning to filling station operators across the nation. The warning, delivered by the NMDPRA's top official, outlines a series of punitive measures, including the revocation of operating licenses, suspension, or even complete shut-down of stations, based on the gravity of the offences committed.

One of the primary concerns raised by the NMDPRA is the adjustment of fuel pumps by filling station operators, a practice that has raised alarms within the oil regulatory bodies and the Federal Government. This practice, which involves altering the calibration of fuel pumps, can lead to consumers receiving less fuel than they pay for, resulting in significant financial losses.

To combat this issue, the NMDPRA has initiated a series of proactive measures. Teams of NMDPRA staff have been dispatched to conduct on-the-spot checks at various petrol stations across the country. The aim is to ascertain whether these stations are engaged in any fraudulent practices related to fuel dispensing.

The NMDPRA official highlighted the challenges faced by consumers, stating, "If you drive into a station, fill up your tank, and drive out, you will not know if you have been cheated until you do a measurement." To address this concern, the authority has initiated physical measurements by purchasing one litre of fuel from selected stations. This method allows them to evaluate whether the fuel pumps accurately dispense the correct amount of fuel.

The NMDPRA remains committed to ensuring fair practices within the petroleum industry. The organization has pledged to work closely with the Revenue Mobilization, Allocation, and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) to enhance revenue generation for the federation. This collaboration seeks to address revenue leakage issues within the oil and gas sector, ultimately benefiting the Nigerian economy and its citizens.

Filling station operators are strongly urged to adhere to the regulations set forth by the NMDPRA and avoid any activities that may compromise the integrity of fuel dispensing. The NMDPRA's vigilant monitoring efforts will continue to protect consumers and promote honesty within the industry.