Abuja: Many motorists in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have accused some fuel stations of adjusting their fuel pumps, leading to concerns over the value received for their money. The drivers assert that this alleged manipulation is an act of exploitation during a time of economic hardship, as the cost of living continues to rise.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, these allegations have resulted in several motorists parking their vehicles, unable to afford the alleged inflated costs of fueling. The motorists, voicing their grievances from areas such as Dei-Dei, Central Area, Dutse, Nyayan, Mararaba, and Kubwa, expressed their frustrations over the actions of some fuel stations. Mrs. Ladi Odika, one of the affected motorists, described how attendants at certain stations obscure the meters and distract customers as a tactic to adjust the fuel pump readings.
Mrs. Odika and other motorists have called on regulatory authorities to step in, citing the economic difficulties exacerbated by rising fuel costs
. Another motorist, Mr. Abdul Danladi, shared an incident where he had to insist on receiving the full amount of fuel paid for, highlighting suspicions about under-dispensing practices at a station along Dutse.
The calls for regulatory intervention have been echoed by other concerned citizens. Dr. Aliyu Ilias, a development expert, urged the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to enhance monitoring and deploy mechanisms such as ‘mystery shoppers’ to verify fuel quantities. He emphasized the financial strain on consumers due to these alleged practices and the need for surprise inspections to ensure compliance.
Meanwhile, Mr. Chinedu Ukadike, the National Publicity Secretary of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association (IPMAN), condemned the alleged malpractices, warning of potential impacts on investor confidence and energy security. He stated that IPMAN plans to work with the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) to educate attendants on ethi
cal practices through workshops.
George Ene-Ita, Director of the Public Affairs Department at NMDPRA, responded to the complaints by pledging to investigate the allegations. He detailed the agency’s existing surveillance framework, aimed at detecting anomalies in fuel dispensing, and assured that recent complaints would be assessed by the regional office.