Agency Seals 11 Fuel Stations In PH Over Fraudulent Transactions 

No fewer than 11 petroleum filling stations have been sealed in Port Harcourt by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) for various regulatory infractions.

The filling stations were shut down during the Authority’s ongoing surveillance initiative tagged ‘Operation One Litre for One Litre,’ in Port Harcourt.

The enforcement followed allegations of under-dispensing, faulty pumps and other practices considered detrimental to consumers.

Regional Coordinator of NMDPRA, South-South, Engr. Victor Owhodiasa, made this known during the monitoring exercise in Port Harcourt, last week.

He said the operation was designed to protect consumers and ensure they receive full value for their money when purchasing petroleum products.

Owhodiasa noted that although fuel prices are now largely market-driven, consumers must not be short-changed at the point of sale.

According to him, the affected stations were found to be dispensing below approved tolerance level or operating with failed pumps and generators.

He explained that claims of faulty equipment during inspection were treated with suspicion, leading to the sealing of such facilities until defects are fully rectified.

Owhodiasa stressed that any outlet dispensing outside the approved bandwidth would remain sealed until full compliance is verified.

He warned that filling stations found to be habitual offenders risk losing their operating licences.

Owhodiasa added that the enforcement team conducted spot checks along major routes in Port Harcourt, including Azikiwe Road, and would continue random inspections across the city.

He called on members of the public to report suspected cases of under-dispensing by filling stations, assuring that the Authority would promptly act on such complaints.

By: King Onunwor