Consumers across Nigeria allege that petrol station attendants manipulate pumps and meters to under-dispense fuel, overcharge customers, and evade regulatory oversight.
Consumers across multiple Nigerian states are accusing filling station attendants, particularly at independent outlets, of manipulating fuel pumps, causing customers to receive less petrol than they pay for. In Lagos, one motorist purchased N20,000 worth of fuel via ATM, only to find a receipt showing N22,000, with the attendant blaming a supposed “error.” Another buyer used a 25-litre jerry can after suspecting under-dispensing behaviour.
In Uyo and Cross River State, inconsistencies in the volume dispensed were identified: one-litre containers showed discrepancies, with some pumps delivering over or under amounts. Independent marketers’ stations are most frequently accused, while major brand outlets like NNPC and BOVAS are seen by many motorists as more trustworthy.
Okada riders and commercial motorists say they often use small cans or bottles to test pump accuracy, avoiding stations with repeated complaints. In Kebbi State, the government has established a committee to enforce consumer protection rights after widespread allegations of under-dispensing in about eighty per cent of filling stations. The national regulator, NMDPRA, is criticised for lacking sufficient personnel to monitor and enforce compliance.