Some Abuja motorists have commended the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) for sanctioning petrol retail outlets accused of under-dispensing fuel. NMDPRA’s latest directive followed a series of earlier enforcement operations.

The regulator warned that persistent offenders risk losing their operating licences. According to the regulator, about 20 filling stations were sealed between 2025 and 2026 for under-dispensing petrol.

Some motorists who spoke on Thursday in Abuja commended the development. Vincent Okon, a motorist in Gwarinpa, said the sanctions would ensure that fuel retailers gave customers value for their money. He said motorists were already struggling with the high cost of petrol, making it unfair for some retail outlets to under-dispense fuel.

“Sometimes, you buy fuel, and it does not last after one or two trips. I really commend the regulator for this move,” he said.

In Kubwa, Dauda Jimoh said pump attendants might be responsible for some of the sharp practices. He, however, said that faulty fuel pumps could also contribute to under-dispensing.

A motorist in Nyanya, Jacob Akogun, said he had thought the practice was going on unchecked at many filling stations but commended the regulator’s intervention. He said some fuel dispensers did not provide accurate readings, making it easier for petrol stations to short-change customers.

Umar Abdul, another motorist, said some petrol stations had been identified for such practices.

“The act is criminal and a disregard for the laws of the country. I commend NMDPRA for its intervention,” he said.

A motorist in Wuse, David Alade, said it was an act of wickedness for the fuel stations to adjust their fuel pumps to make extra cash. He said that Nigerians were really going through a difficult time with the fuel hike and economic hardship.

Kinsley Ayinde said the development had forced many motorists to abandon their cars as they could no longer afford to fuel them.

The spokesperson for the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Chinedu Ukadike, said the association was aware of the NMDPRA’s notice. He said IPMAN had also circulated the information to its members nationwide.

Mr Ukadike said the deregulated nature of the downstream sector made it important for independent marketers to protect their reputation and retain customers.

“We are in a deregulated economy, and what drives your market is your ability to convince and retain your customers,” he said.

He said that IPMAN was working to reorient its members and their employees. Mr Ukadike said the association would not allow customers to be cheated at the pump. He said marketers had a responsibility to ensure that their dispensing equipment remained accurate.

(NAN)