PETROAN orders members to comply with NMDPRA directive on pump calibration

The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has ordered petroleum retail outlets nationwide to immediately calibrate and verify their dispensing pumps and totalizers following reported cases of under-dispensing of petroleum products.

The regulator warned that outlets found giving consumers less product than the quantity paid for could face sanctions, including revocation of their operating licences.

In an industry circular, NMDPRA said it had intensified inspections and enforcement activities nationwide after observing incidents of under-dispensing at retail outlets.

The Authority directed all retail outlet operators to immediately calibrate and verify their dispensers and totalizers to ensure accurate measurement and guarantee that consumers receive the full value of the products they purchase.

It said outlets found to be under-dispensing, operating with improperly calibrated equipment or otherwise compromising dispensing accuracy would be required to take immediate corrective action.

“Persistent or serious violations” could attract appropriate sanctions, including revocation of the outlet’s licence, NMDPRA warned.

The regulator also directed industry associations, including the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria, PETROAN, the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria, the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria and the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, to notify their members and support compliance.

PETROAN has subsequently directed its members to comply with the NMDPRA order.

In a September 22 circular signed by its National President, Prince Billy Gillis-Harry, and National Secretary, Barr. Adedibu Aderibigbe, the association urged all members to immediately inspect, calibrate and verify their dispensing equipment.

PETROAN also directed members to maintain accurate records of calibration and maintenance activities and cooperate with regulatory inspection teams.

The association said its members should treat the NMDPRA directive with the utmost seriousness and ensure immediate compliance across all retail outlets under their management.

The directive places particular emphasis on the accuracy of dispensing equipment, with NMDPRA warning that practices that compromise the quantity of petroleum products delivered to consumers would not be tolerated.

The Authority said the enforcement drive was aimed at protecting consumers, promoting transparency and upholding the integrity of petroleum product transactions nationwide.