Many motorists in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have accused some fuel stations of adjusting their pumps to under-dispense fuel.
The motorists lamented that the practice denies them value for their money, describing it as an act of wickedness, especially given the current economic hardship facing Nigerians.
It was gathered that the development has forced many motorists to park their vehicles as they can no longer afford to fuel them regularly.
Motorists in Dei-Dei, Central Area, Dutse, Nyanya, Mararaba, and Kubwa spoke with reporters in Abuja on Wednesday.
Mrs Ladi Odika said many pump attendants cheat consumers through pump adjustments and other sharp practices.
“Some attendants block motorists from seeing the meter by introducing items to them to buy. Others make compliments to distract or confuse customers,” she said.
She urged regulatory authorities to intervene, especially following the recent hike in fuel prices.
“When I buy fuel at some filling stations, my fuel gauge does not rise. But when I buy from stations like MRS or NNPC, the gauge rises properly,” she added.
Mr Abdul Danladi, another motorist, said he suspected attendants at a filling station along Dutse had adjusted their pumps.
“I now use a 25-litre jerry can to buy fuel. The meter showed 25 litres, but the can did not fill up. After arguments, the attendant eventually filled it properly,” he said.
Mrs Rejoice Achi and Mr Chidi Onu expressed preference for major marketers’ stations (such as MRS and NNPC), saying their meters are more accurate, while many independent stations are often deserted.
Lateef Ojerinde said he only patronises independent marketers when in a hurry.
“Some private stations are notorious. If you complain, their attendants insult you,” he said.
Dr Aliyu Ilias, a development expert and customer experience specialist, called on the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to intensify monitoring.
He recommended the use of “mystery shoppers”, surprise inspections with calibrated equipment, and stronger collaboration with the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).
“Imagine paying for N20,000 worth of fuel but receiving only N15,000 worth. Such practices worsen the financial burden on Nigerians,” he said.
Mr Chinedu Ukadike, National Publicity Secretary of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), condemned the alleged sharp practices.
He said IPMAN would collaborate with the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) to organise workshops for pump attendants on ethics and proper dispensing.
George Ene-Ita, Director of Public Affairs at NMDPRA, pledged to investigate the allegations.
He noted that the agency operates an on-field surveillance framework and has forwarded the complaints to its Abuja/FCT regional office for assessment.
Ene-Ita urged members of the public to continue reporting suspected infractions.
