PETROAN orders nationwide checks of fuel dispensing meters

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

PETROAN National President, Billy Gillis-Harry, disclosed this on Wednesday while speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief.

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 equipment at filling stations.

Gillis-Harry said members were directed to inspect their meters immediately to identify faults that could result in inaccurate measurements.

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

He explained that prolonged use could affect dispensing equipment and cause pumps to either dispense less fuel than customers paid for or release more fuel.

“Equipment can be faulty over time because of usage,” Gillis-Harry said.

He assured motorists that PETROAN members would ensure customers receive the quantity of fuel they pay for.

He also advised motorists to monitor the quantity displayed on dispensing meters when buying fuel and request receipts for their purchases.

The PETROAN president said the association works with the Weights and Measures Division of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment and the NMDPRA to ensure the accuracy of dispensing meters.

The NMDPRA had warned filling station operators against under-dispensing petroleum products and threatened sanctions, including withdrawal of operating licences, against outlets found short-changing consumers.

Gillis-Harry said PETROAN was taking the warning seriously and had begun engaging its members to identify and correct faulty equipment.