Filling station operators across the country are under pressure to check and recalibrate their dispensing equipment as the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority intensifies its crackdown on outlets accused of under-dispensing petrol to motorists.
The regulator’s latest directive followed a series of enforcement operations carried out in the past, in which several filling stations were sealed for short-measuring customers, with the authority warning that persistent offenders risk losing their operating licences.
About 20 filling stations were reportedly sealed by the regulator between 2025 and 2026 for under-dispensing.
Following the NMDPRA warning, petroleum marketers said they had risen to ensure fuel retailers give customers the right value for their money. While some of them said pump attendants might be responsible for such sharp practices, others said faulty fuel pumps could be responsible for under-dispensing.
The NMDPRA, in an industry notice issued on Tuesday, directed all retail outlet operators to immediately calibrate and verify their dispensers and totalisers to ensure that consumers receive the full quantity of petroleum products for which they pay.
The authority said it had observed incidents of under-dispensing at retail outlets nationwide, describing the practice as a serious breach of consumer trust.
The regulator warned that outlets found under-dispensing, operating improperly calibrated equipment or otherwise compromising dispensing accuracy would be required to take immediate corrective action.