NMDPRA seals two filling stations in Warri for ‘operating with expired licences’

The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has sealed two filling stations in Warri for “under-dispensing” and “operating with expired licences”.

Idemudia Obeahon, head of retail infrastructure at the NMDPRA office in Warri, spoke to journalists on Thursday after a surveillance exercise.

Obeahon, who is currently acting on behalf of the Delta coordinator of NMDPRA, Victor Ohwodiasa, led the team on the operation.

“The surveillance is part of our mandate to ensure that petroleum products are dispensed at the right quality and quantities to the public,” Obeahon said.

“Routine surveillance is part of our responsibilities and we check practically on a daily basis to ensure the right products are dispensed to the public.

“We check for quality to ensure the marketers sell the right quality. We also check for under-dispensing to ensure they sell the right quality and quantity to the consumers.

“Beyond that, we also check to know if the marketers are selling in a safe and secure environment. This is a normal routine exercise that we do almost every day.

“Though, there are bound to be defaulters. Today, we have sealed two filling stations majorly for under-dispensing and operating with expired licences.”

Obeahon said while marketers aim to maximise profits, they are expected to maintain ethical practices by selling quality products and dispensing the correct quantities.

He urged consumers to remain vigilant while buying petroleum products and report any sharp practices to the NMDPRA for necessary action.

The NMDPRA official said Warri is not currently experiencing the petrol scarcity pressures seen in other parts of the country.

“Unlike some parts of the country, there is not much pressure in Warri; some filling stations are virtually empty, as they have products but no customers to buy,” he said.

“Also, we have not experienced buying in jerry cans for trans-border smuggling out of the state; we are on the watch out.”

Obeahon said the surveillance team inspected several filling stations, including those belonging to Rainoil on Ogunu road, Total Energies on Okumagba avenue, and Newbridge filling station on airport road.

Others include Odafe Global Oil and Gas Company Limited, Matrix Energy, A A Rano on Effurun/Sapele road and NNPC station on the NPA expressway.