5 filling stations sealed in Katsina

The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has sealed five petroleum stations in Katsina for under-dispensing fuel and other safety violations.

Umar Muhammad, the Katsina state Controller of NMDPRA, who spearheaded the operation, said the move was to ensure compliance with laid down rules and industry standards and protect consumers’ rights.

Media reports suggested that the enforcement focused on petrol stations that refused to renew their expired operational licenses as required by regulatory authorities.

The affected fuel stations were also involved in the under-dispensing of fuel, short-changing customers, and lack of safety equipment.

NMDPRA said all filling stations diverting petroleum products allocated to them would face the wrath of the law if found guilty.

Under-dispensing of fuel by filling stations in Nigeria has become a widespread and persistent issue, affecting millions of motorists and businesses. This fraudulent practice occurs when fuel stations manipulate their pumps to dispense less fuel than what is paid for by consumers. This dishonest act not only cheats customers but also has broader economic and social consequences.

In 2019, the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) reported that approximately 35% of filling stations in Port Harcourt had deliberately adjusted their meters to dispense less fuel than paid for by customers.

Similarly, in 2018, the Department of Weights and Measures inspected over 60 petrol stations in Plateau and Nasarawa states, discovering that 10 of them were under-dispensing fuel.

In 2017, the DPR sealed 12 filling stations in Lokoja, Kogi State, for under-dispensing fuel to unsuspecting customers.

Addressing the issue requires stronger regulatory measures, increased surveillance, and stricter penalties for defaulters. The government must empower regulatory agencies with the necessary resources to conduct frequent and surprise inspections.

Public awareness campaigns should also be intensified to educate consumers on how to detect and report cases of under-dispensing. The introduction of technology-driven solutions, such as real-time fuel monitoring systems, could also help in curbing the practice.