NMDPRA seals four filling stations in Delta for ‘under-dispensing’

The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has shut down two gas plants and two petrol stations in Delta state, for under-dispensing.

Victor Ohwodiasa, coordinator of NMDPRA in Delta, spoke to the press in Warri on Thursday.

Ohwodiasa said NMDPRA’s surveillance team closed the stations at the Asaba and Ibusa axis of the state on Tuesday and Wednesday due to under-dispensing, operating without valid licences, and other illegal practices.

“In line with our mandates, we constantly visit petroleum retail outlets to ensure they sell one litre for one litre,” he said.

“Agreeably, there are bound to be variations due to mechanical error in their machines, but these are subject to limits; when it exceeds, we shut down the facilities.”

Ohwodiasa urged petroleum marketers to ensure that their meters are well-calibrated to sell accurately.

“Based on what we have been doing to ensure the consumers are not shortchanged, we have been visiting retail outlets across the state to ensure sanity is maintained within the area,” Ohwodiasa said.

“This week, we have sealed four stations within the Asaba and Ibusa axis over offences bordering on under-dispensing, operating without valid licenses and illegal activities within the filling stations.”

He said the regulatory authority will continue inspecting such cases through the end of the year to ensure fair sales to consumers.

Ohwodiasa encouraged the public to report suspicious practices to NMDPRA, including under-dispensing, the discharge of unauthorised products by petroleum marketers, product quality, suspected diversion, and illegal bunkering activities.