PETROAN directs filling stations nationwide to check meters over NMDPRA under-dispensing alert

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The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has directed its members across the country to inspect and verify their dispensing meters following a warning from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) over alleged under-dispensing of petroleum products.

PETROAN National President, Billy Gillis-Harry, disclosed this on Wednesday during an appearance on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief programme.

He said the directive was aimed at ensuring that dispensing equipment at filling stations is properly calibrated and delivers the correct quantity of petroleum products to consumers.

The development followed concerns raised by the NMDPRA over allegations that some filling stations may be dispensing less fuel than customers pay for.

Gillis-Harry urged petroleum retailers to take the warning seriously and ensure their equipment complies with regulatory requirements.

According to him, PETROAN convened an emergency meeting of its National Executive Council on Tuesday after the regulator raised concerns about the accuracy of fuel dispensing at retail outlets.

He said the meeting lasted until about 10 pm, after which members were directed to check their equipment.

“PETRON circulated a message around the country, calling our members to check their meters as quickly as possible,” Gillis-Harry said.

The PETROAN president said some members had already commenced checks, noting that prolonged use could affect the performance of dispensing equipment and lead to either short-measuring or dispensing more fuel than customers paid for.

“Equipment can be faulty over time because of usage,” he said, recalling that he had previously lost money in his own retail business because a faulty meter was dispensing more fuel than customers paid for.

Gillis-Harry also assured motorists that members of the association remained committed to ensuring that the quantity paid for by customers was accurately dispensed.

“But I can tell you that PETRON members will, at all times, insist on making sure that they sell their products one litre for one litre,” he said.

He advised motorists to monitor the quantity shown on the dispensing meter whenever they buy fuel and request receipts after making purchases.

He further urged consumers to familiarise themselves with the fuel capacity of their vehicles and compare it with the quantity indicated by the dispenser.

“Oftentimes, we educate our staff to call the attention of the patron to check the meter while it is being dispensed. And also to get the customer to check after the product has been dispensed,” he said.

Gillis-Harry said PETROAN collaborates with the Weights and Measures Division of the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment and the NMDPRA on the maintenance and accuracy of fuel dispensing meters.

“PETRON consistently works with the Weights and Measures Division of the Ministry of Trade and Investment, and also the NMDPRA. These are the two regulatory authorities that ensure that our meters are functional. And they are up to date and accurate,” he said.

The NMDPRA had warned filling station operators against under-dispensing petroleum products, stating that outlets found short-changing consumers could face sanctions, including the withdrawal of their operating licences.

Gillis-Harry said the association was treating the regulator’s warning with seriousness and had commenced engagement with its members to identify and correct any faults.

“But we took what the NMDPRA called our attention to yesterday very seriously. And we already started working on that,” he said.