Follow Us on Google
The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has ordered a nationwide inspection of fuel dispensing meters at filling stations over alleged under-dispensing of petroleum products by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
The directive, which followed an emergency meeting of PETROAN’s National Executive Council, is aimed at identifying faulty or inaccurate dispensing equipment and ensuring motorists receive the exact quantity of petrol and other products they pay for.
PETROAN National President, Billy Gillis-Harry, disclosed this on Wednesday while speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief. He said the association has moved swiftly after the regulator raised concerns about possible short-measuring at retail outlets.
According to him, the emergency NEC meeting lasted until about 10pm, after which members across the country were directed to immediately inspect their dispensing meters.
“PETROAN circulated a message around the country, calling our members to check their meters as quickly as possible,” Gillis-Harry said.
He explained that prolonged use of dispensing equipment could affect its accuracy, potentially resulting in either motorists receiving less fuel than they paid for or filling stations dispensing more product than the amount 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 after a faulty meter dispensed more fuel than customers paid for.
The PETROAN president said the association was taking the NMDPRA’s warning seriously and had commenced engagement with its members to identify and rectify any faults.
“But we took what the NMDPRA called our attention to yesterday very seriously. And we already started working on that,” he said.
The development comes after the downstream regulator warned filling station operators against under-dispensing petroleum products, with outlets found short-changing consumers liable to sanctions, including possible withdrawal of their operating licences.
Gillis-Harry assured motorists that PETROAN members remained committed to ensuring that every litre purchased was accurately dispensed.
“But I can tell you that PETROAN members will, at all times, insist on making sure that they sell their products one litre for one litre,” he said.
He also advised motorists to pay close attention to the quantity displayed on dispensing meters while buying fuel and to request receipts for their purchases.
According to him, consumers should also familiarise themselves with the fuel capacity of their vehicles and compare it with the quantity indicated on 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 works with the Weights and Measures Division of the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment as well as the NMDPRA to ensure that dispensing meters are properly maintained, functional and accurate.
“PETROAN 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.
