NMDPRA: Seals MRS Stageoil Port Harcourt for Under-Dispensing

• The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) sealed two Port Harcourt filling stations, MRS and Stageoil, for under-dispensing petroleum products.
• This action was part of a routine surveillance exercise conducted on a Thursday to check product quantity, quality, and safety standards at various retail outlets in Rivers State.
• NMDPRA officials also found one station over-dispensing unknowingly and directed it to recalibrate its pumps before resuming sales.
• The authority emphasized its commitment to consumer protection, ensuring Nigerians receive the correct quantity and quality of petroleum products.
• NMDPRA confirmed that surveillance and enforcement activities are continuous nationwide, with sanctions to follow for non-compliant operators.

The ultimate objective driving the NMDPRA's continuous surveillance and enforcement activities is to guarantee that Nigerian consumers receive precisely what they pay for.

The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) recently took decisive action in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, sealing two prominent filling stations for engaging in the practice of under-dispensing petroleum products to customers. The facilities affected by this enforcement measure were MRS Filling Station, located on Azikiwe Road, and Stageoil Filling Station, situated along Aba Road, both within the bustling city of Port Harcourt. This intervention by the NMDPRA seals MRS Stageoil Port Harcourt, signaling a firm stance against consumer exploitation.

This targeted action was part of a broader, routine surveillance and enforcement exercise conducted by the NMDPRA across the Port Harcourt metropolis on a recent Thursday. Beyond the two sealed outlets, the regulatory team also carried out inspections at several other retail points. These included the NNPC Mega Filling Station at Lagos Bus Stop in the old Port Harcourt Township, as well as Reinoil, TotalEnergies, and another NNPC Filling Station in Trans Amadi, demonstrating the comprehensive nature of the Nigerian Midstream Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority enforcement efforts. The primary objective of these inspections was to verify the accuracy of dispensed fuel quantities, assess the quality of petroleum products, and ensure adherence to critical safety standards across various outlets.

Dr. Mustapha Lamorde, the NMDPRA's Executive Director for Corporate Services and Administration, articulated the core rationale behind these operations, emphasizing the authority's commitment to safeguarding consumers. He explained that the inspections are fundamentally designed to prevent filling station owners and operators from short-changing the public, thereby upholding consumer protection. The comprehensive checks performed by the NMDPRA team focused on three critical aspects: the precise quantity of products dispensed, the quality of the petroleum products to ensure they are fit for purpose and conform to national specifications, and the overall safety of the retail outlet operations. This aligns with the broader goal of petroleum product quality compliance Nigeria.

The surveillance initiative extended its reach to cover a range of essential petroleum products, including Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), commonly known as diesel, and DPK, or kerosene. As part of its evidence-based regulatory process, the authority's officials randomly collected samples of these products for immediate, on-the-spot screening. This meticulous approach ensures that regulatory decisions are informed by direct findings, reinforcing the NMDPRA consumer protection sanctions framework.

During the extensive field exercise, NMDPRA officials confirmed instances of under-dispensing at certain retail outlets, directly leading to the sealing of the identified stations, including the Rivers State petrol station under-dispensing cases. Dr. Lamorde confirmed that following these immediate closures, the necessary regulatory actions, including sanctions, would be pursued. This underscores the serious repercussions for non-compliant operators.

Interestingly, the inspection also uncovered a unique situation where one particular filling station was found to be over-dispensing petroleum products without the operator's knowledge. In response, the NMDPRA promptly directed the operator to cease sales immediately and recalibrate its pumps before resuming operations. This directive was issued to prevent further financial losses for the station, highlighting the authority's role in ensuring fair and accurate transactions for all parties. Stations that demonstrated full compliance with regulations were commended and encouraged to maintain their high standards, reinforcing the message that adherence to guidelines is expected and valued. The Port Harcourt fuel pump recalibration order serves as a clear example of the NMDPRA's hands-on approach to ensuring accuracy.

The ultimate objective driving the NMDPRA's continuous surveillance and enforcement activities is to guarantee that Nigerian consumers receive precisely what they pay for. This commitment extends to both the accurate quantity of fuel purchased and the assurance of product quality, which is vital for public health, environmental protection, and vehicle longevity. Dr. Lamorde explicitly stated that ensuring consumers get the correct quantity and quality is the "end game" for the authority.

Addressing any skepticism regarding the diligence of its staff, Dr. Lamorde clarified that such surveillance exercises are an ongoing and integral part of the NMDPRA's operations. He affirmed that NMDPRA field officers are strategically deployed across the entire country to continuously monitor petroleum retail outlets. The authority further reassured consumers, particularly those in Rivers State and other regions nationwide, of its unwavering dedication to enforcing compliance and imposing sanctions on any operators found to be in violation of established regulations. This proactive and continuous Nigerian Midstream Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority enforcement strategy aims to foster a fair and safe petroleum downstream sector.

Compliance officers and legal counsel for petroleum retail outlets in Nigeria, particularly in Rivers State, should note the NMDPRA's active and continuous enforcement against under-dispensing and other non-compliance. This signals a heightened regulatory risk, necessitating immediate review of pump calibration, product quality checks, and safety standards to avoid sanctions like sealing and fines.

Source: Original reporting via The Punch