The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has sealed three petrol stations in Calabar, Cross River State, for dispensing fuel with faulty meters and selling above the approved pump price. The affected stations include Okono Nsa and two others, while UD King was spared due to a long queue of motorists but will face a heavy fine for dispensing fuel with faulty meters.
During an inspection of fuel stations and depots, Regional Coordinator of NMDPRA, South-South Zone, Mrs. Comfort Ajayi, warned that more stations would be sealed if found wanting. Ajayi emphasized the need to reduce the suffering of petrol consumers and threatened to punish marketers who hoard petroleum products or engage in fraudulent practices.
Ajayi criticized the use of faulty pumps and selling above the approved price, stating that it is unacceptable to cheat and short-change the public. She also expressed concerns about selling fuel in jerrycans, citing it as a major contributor to product siphoning and hoarding. The NMDPRA aims to sanitize the industry and eliminate jerrycan marketers to reduce long queues and ensure a smoother experience for motorists.
