Fuel Crisis: Frustration As Nigerians Report Manipulative Tactics By Petrol Stations

Frustration is growing in Nigeria as fuel prices reach record highs, with reports emerging that petrol stations are manipulating pump meters to under-dispense fuel.

Customers are paying more for less, exacerbating the economic strain as the official petrol price hits ₦1,030 per liter.

This has led to widespread public outcry and calls for increased regulatory oversight.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that

The official pump price for petrol recently rose to N1,030 per liter, with some independent marketers charging up to N1,300, intensifying the financial strain on Nigerians already struggling with rising costs of living.

Several customers have shared complaints of stations outside major urban areas reportedly adjusting their pumps to dispense less fuel per transaction, worsening the impact of recent price hikes.

The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), which oversees fuel distribution, has acknowledged an increase in consumer grievances, noting that manipulation practices have escalated alongside the recent price hikes.

Despite pledging to take firm action, some Nigerians feel enforcement lacks consistency.

Tayo Adedeji, a cab driver in Abuja, expressed frustration over frequent under-dispensing incidents.

“Many stations manipulate pumps, under-dispensing to consumers,” he stated. In Lagos, commercial driver Uchenna Godwin shared similar concerns, adding that nearly all petrol stations he visits engage in this practice, with NNPC outlets being one of the few exceptions where customers still feel confident in the accuracy of their purchases.

To cope with the under-dispensing issues, some consumers, like Busaya Akinreti, have turned to purchasing fuel in jerry cans to ensure accurate quantities, while others resort to black-market options despite higher costs.

The NMDPRA has promised strict enforcement, including shutting down stations found to be violating regulations, though consumer advocates continue to urge the agency for quicker, more proactive responses to deter dishonest practices.

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