NMDPRA to suspend licences of filling stations selling petrol to black marketers

The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has warned filling stations against selling premium motor spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, to black marketers.

In a post on X on Thursday, NMDPRA said failure to comply would result in suspension of licences.

“NMDPRA embarks on a war against the illegal sale of petroleum products, especially PMS, in jerrycans. Filling stations are advised to desist from servicing illegal peddlers; failure to do so will result in the suspension of retail licences,” the regulator said.

This directive follows a stakeholders’ meeting held in Abuja, where NMDPRA officials met with major retail outlet managers.

In another statement on Thursday, NMDPRA said the meeting was led by Ogbugo Ukoha, director of distribution systems, storage, and retailing infrastructure, and Mustapha Lamorde, director of health, safety, environment, and community.

The regulatory body said during the meeting, retail outlets were warned about the proliferation of illegal sale of petrol in jerrycans around the metropolis, particularly along the roadways near their outlets.

“Thereafter, a team lead by both executive directors and in collaboration with security agencies conducted surveillance to some outlets around the metropolis and in the process was able to apprehend some people who were operating illegal fuel dumps around the FCT,” NMDPRA said.

One of the stations visited was TotalEnergies.

In a video shared by NMDPRA on X, officials were seen advising the station’s management to cease servicing illegal petrol peddlers.

They reiterated that non-compliance would lead to the withdrawal of the station’s operating licence, citing significant safety concerns associated with the sale of petrol in jerrycans.

“This is a forewarning that from tomorrow if we see peddlers around, we will not ask any question, we will withdraw your licence,” the officials said.

“It is posing safety concerns in Nigeria. No selling in jerrycans and you make sure that peddlers are not within your proximity.”

NMDPRA said proximity means across the road and around the retail stations.

The regulator said it will hold petrol stations responsible henceforth.