PETROAN directs fuel stations nationwide to verify dispensing meters after regulatory alert

The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has directed its members across the country to immediately inspect and verify the accuracy of their fuel dispensing meters.

The directive followed a warning from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) over alleged under-dispensing of petroleum products at some filling stations.

PETROAN National President, Billy Gillis-Harry, disclosed this on Wednesday during an appearance on Channels Television’s *The Morning Brief*.

He said the association convened an emergency meeting of its National Executive Council on Tuesday after receiving the regulator’s concerns about the accuracy of dispensing equipment.

According to Gillis-Harry, the meeting continued until about 10pm, after which members were instructed to commence checks on their meters.

“PETRON circulated a message around the country, calling our members to check their meters as quickly as possible,” Gillis-Harry said.

He explained that dispensing equipment could develop faults after prolonged use, potentially resulting in customers receiving either less or more fuel than they paid for.

“Equipment can be faulty over time because of usage,” he said, recalling an instance in which a faulty meter at his own retail outlet dispensed more fuel than customers had paid for, resulting in financial losses.

The PETROAN president assured motorists that the association remained committed to ensuring accurate measurement of fuel purchased at its members’ outlets.

“But I can tell you that PETRON members will, at all times, insist on making sure that they sell their products one litre for one litre,” he said.

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He also urged motorists to pay attention to the quantity displayed on dispensing meters while purchasing fuel and to request receipts after transactions.

Gillis-Harry advised consumers to know the fuel capacity of their vehicles and use it as an additional check against the quantity indicated by 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.

He said PETROAN works with relevant regulatory authorities to ensure that dispensing meters remain functional, properly maintained and accurate.

“PETRON 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.

The NMDPRA had warned petroleum retail outlet operators against under-dispensing products, noting that stations found short-changing consumers could face regulatory sanctions, including withdrawal of their operating licences.

Gillis-Harry said PETROAN had taken the warning seriously and was already engaging its members to detect and rectify any faulty equipment.

“But we took what the NMDPRA called our attention to yesterday very seriously. And we already started working on that,” he said.

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