Motorists in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have accused several filling stations of tampering with fuel pumps, a practice they say denies them value for their money amid rising economic hardship.
Speaking with journalists on Wednesday in Dei-Dei, Central Area, Dutse, Nyanya, Mararaba, and Kubwa, many motorists described the alleged adjustments as an act of wickedness, adding that some have been forced to park their cars due to the soaring cost of fuel.
One motorist, Ladi Odika, said attendants increasingly cheat consumers by manipulating pumps, blocking metres with items for sale, or using compliments to distract customers. She called on regulators to intervene, noting that fuel bought at some stations barely registers on her gauge, unlike purchases from major marketers such as MRS and NNPC.
Another motorist, Abdul Danladi, recounted how a filling station along Dutse allegedly under-dispensed fuel into his 25-litre jerry can. After a public altercation, the attendant complied and filled it properly. He urged authorities to intensify monitoring.
Rejoice Achi said she now patronises only major marketers, whose meters she trusts. In Kubwa, commercial motorists have largely deserted independent marketers’ stations, favouring major marketers perceived as reliable. Chidi Onu from Dei-Dei echoed the sentiment, while Lateef Ojerinde admitted using independent stations only when queues at major outlets are unbearable.
Development expert and customer experience specialist Aliyu Ilias called on the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to intensify monitoring through surprise inspections, calibrated measuring equipment, and “mystery shoppers”. He warned that under-dispensing erodes purchasing power and worsens the financial burden on ordinary Nigerians.
The National Publicity Secretary of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association (IPMAN), Chinedu Ukadike, condemned the sharp practices, warning they threaten investor confidence and energy security. He said IPMAN would collaborate with NUPENG to sensitise and train pump attendants on ethical practices.
In response, NMDPRA’s Director of Public Affairs, George Ene-Ita, pledged to investigate the complaints. He said the agency operates an on-field surveillance framework, with routine inspections of tanks, pumps, and metres. While monitoring every station remains challenging, he assured that the latest complaints have been forwarded to the Abuja regional office for operational assessment, and urged the public to continue reporting suspected infractions.
(NAN)