NMDPRA seals filling stations over petrol under-dispensing

The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has expressed concern over under-dispensing of petrol by filling stations, in spite of high fuel prices.

The NMDPRA Chief Executive, Rabiu Umar, raised the concern during an inspection of filling stations in Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers State, on Thursday, October 8, 2026.

The inspection led to the sealing of two filling stations – Stage Oil and MRS – along the CFC area of Aba Road, over alleged under-dispensing of petrol to customers.

Umar, who was represented by the NMDPRA Executive Director of Health, Safety, Environment and Community, Dr Mustapha Lamorde, said the authority would continue to sanction operators found violating regulations.

Umar said the surveillance involved random sampling and on-the-spot screening to check the quality and quantity of petroleum products and ensure compliance with national standards.

He said: “Some of the retail outlets were found to be under-dispensing. They were immediately sealed.

“It is unfortunate that some filling station operators are still cheating customers, especially at a time when Nigerians are grappling with high fuel prices.”

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Umar said the affected filling stations would face full regulatory sanctions to serve as a deterrent to other operators who might deliberately tamper with their meters.

The NMDPRA boss added that the findings from the inspection were mixed, with some outlets complying with regulations while others were found to be over-dispensing or under-dispensing.

“The ultimate objective of this exercise is to ensure that consumers receive the quantity and quality of petroleum products they pay for,” Umar said.

The NMDPRA boss, however, said under-dispensing was not on the rise, attributing the reduction to regular surveillance of filling stations.

He assured Nigerians that the authority’s personnel were conducting routine surveillance across the country.

Umar urged Nigerians to report suspected violations by filling stations through the agency’s website, social media platforms, and contact numbers.