By Mary Izuaka

 

The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has directed its members to comply immediately with the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) directive on calibrating and verifying dispensers.

The association gave the directive in a statement on Thursday following an industry circular issued by the NMDPRA over reported cases of under-dispensing of petroleum products at retail outlets nationwide.

On Tuesday, the NMDPRA described under-dispensing as a breach of consumer trust that would not be tolerated and directed all retail outlet operators to carry out immediate calibration and verification of dispensing pumps and totalizers.

The Authority said the measure is to ensure accurate measurement and guarantee that consumers receive full value for products purchased, adding that it has intensified inspection and enforcement activities nationwide.

It warned that outlets found under-dispensing, operating with improperly calibrated equipment or engaging in practices that compromise dispensing accuracy will be required to take immediate corrective action.

It added that persistent or serious violations may attract sanctions, including revocation of operating licences in line with applicable regulations.

Reacting to the directive, PETROAN, in a letter to its members titled “Strict Compliance With NMDPRA Directive On Calibration And Verification Of Dispensers”, urged members to treat the directive with utmost seriousness.

“As one of the associations specifically requested by the NMDPRA to notify its members and support full compliance, PETROAN hereby urges all members to treat this directive with the utmost seriousness and ensure immediate compliance across all retail outlets under their management,” PETROAN said.

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PETROAN advised members to conduct immediate inspection, calibration and verification of dispensing equipment, maintain accurate records of calibration and maintenance activities and cooperate fully with regulatory inspection teams.

The association also urged its members to uphold the highest standards of transparency, integrity and consumer protection in all retail operations.

PETROAN said it remains committed to promoting professionalism, regulatory compliance, and best industry practices.

“Together, we must continue to protect the interests of consumers and preserve the credibility and reputation of petroleum retail operations throughout Nigeria,” it said.