PETROAN directed fuel stations across the country to verify dispensing meters following a regulatory alert

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

The directive was issued following a warning from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) over alleged lack of dispensing of petroleum products at some fueling stations.

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

He said the association called an emergency National Executive Council meeting on Tuesday after receiving regulators’ concerns about the accuracy of equipment distribution.

According to Gillis-Harry, the meeting continued until around 10 p.m., after which members were instructed to start checking their meters.

“PETRON is spreading the message across the country, calling on our members to check their meters as quickly as possible,” said Gillis-Harry.

He explained that dispensing equipment can fail after extended use, potentially resulting in customers receiving less or more fuel than they paid for.

“Equipment can break down over time due to use,” he said, recalling an incident where a faulty meter at his retail outlet released more fuel than customers paid for, resulting in financial losses.

PETROAN President assured motorists that the association remains committed to ensuring accurate measurement of fuel purchased at its member outlets.

“But I can tell you that PETRON members will always insist on ensuring that they sell their product one liter for one liter,” he said.

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He also appealed to motorists to pay attention to the amount printed on the dispensing meter when buying fuel and ask for a receipt after the transaction.

Gillis-Harry advises consumers to know their vehicle’s fuel capacity and use it as an additional check on the amount displayed by the dispenser.

“Often, we educate our staff to ask customers’ attention to check the meter while it is being distributed. And also invite customers to check after the product is distributed,” he said.

He said PETROAN is working with the relevant regulatory authorities to ensure dispensing meters remain functional, well maintained and accurate.

“PETRON consistently works closely 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 work. And are up to date and accurate,” he said.

NMDPRA has warned operators of petroleum retail outlets against selling products at excessively low prices, and noted that such stations have found that consumers who short-change may face regulatory sanctions, including revocation of their operating licenses.

Gillis-Harry said PETROAN had taken the warning seriously and had engaged its members to detect and repair damaged equipment.

“But we are taking NMDPRA’s concerns yesterday very seriously. And we have started working on it,” he said.