PETROAN Directs Members To Inspect Fuel Meters

The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Association of Nigeria has directed its members across the country to inspect their fuel dispensing meters following a warning from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority over alleged under-dispensing of petroleum products.

PETROAN National President, Billy Gillis-Harry, disclosed this on Wednesday.

He said the association convened an emergency meeting of its National Executive Council on Tuesday after the regulator raised concerns about the accuracy of fuel dispensing at retail outlets.

According to Gillis-Harry, the meeting lasted until about 10 pm, after which members were directed to inspect their equipment.

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

Gillis-Harry said some fuel dispensing equipment could develop faults after prolonged use, potentially resulting in either under-dispensing or over-dispensing.

The PETROAN president said several members had already started inspecting their meters.

“Equipment can be faulty over time because of usage,” he said, recalling that he had previously lost money in his own retail business because a faulty meter was dispensing more fuel than customers paid for.

He assured motorists that members of the association remained committed to dispensing the quantity of fuel customers paid for.

“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.

Motorists Urged to Check Fuel Quantity

Gillis-Harry advised motorists to monitor the quantity displayed on fuel pumps while purchasing petrol and to request receipts after each transaction.

He also urged consumers to know the fuel capacity of their vehicles and compare it with the quantity shown on the dispensing meter.

“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 added that PETROAN works with the Weights and Measures Division of the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment and the NMDPRA to ensure dispensing meters remain functional 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.

NMDPRA Warns Against Short-Measuring

The NMDPRA has warned filling station operators against under-dispensing petroleum products.

The regulator said outlets found to be short-changing consumers could face sanctions, including the revocation of their operating licences.

Gillis-Harry said PETROAN had taken the regulator’s concerns seriously and had begun working with its members to identify and address possible faults.

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