The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has stepped up its fight against fuel stations accused of short-changing motorists through under-dispensing.
In a 2026 notice, the regulator directed filling station operators nationwide to calibrate and verify their pumps and totalisers after detecting cases where motorists received less petrol than the quantity displayed. It warned that repeated or serious violations could lead to sanctions, including licence revocation.
The campaign, tagged Operation One Litre for One Litre, has already led to enforcement actions in several states. In February 2026, NMDPRA sealed 11 petrol stations in Rivers State over offences including under-dispensing and the use of faulty pumps. Earlier, seven stations in Kogi and five in Katsina were also sealed for similar and other regulatory violations.
NMDPRA says the problem can result from equipment failure, poor calibration or deliberate tampering. Regardless of the cause, motorists who pay for a specific quantity should receive that quantity.
With about 22,681 registered retail outlets across Nigeria, however, monitoring every pump remains a major challenge. The regulator has urged consumers to report suspected violations, while experts have called for surprise inspections and the use of calibrated measuring equipment to independently test pumps.
The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has also circulated the regulator’s directive to its members.
For motorists, the message is straightforward: if they pay for 20 litres, they should get 20 litres.
NMDPRA’s challenge is ensuring that One Litre for One Litre becomes a reality at every filling station.
