The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Abeokuta Field Office, has sealed two filling stations in Ogun State for allegedly under-dispensing petroleum products and engaging in other unethical practices.

The affected outlets, Mangarborn Energy and Mobil Filling Station, are located in the Akute/Ajuwon area of Ifo Local Government Area.

According to the NMDPRA, the enforcement action followed the discovery of several infractions, including under-dispensing fuel to customers and other sharp practices that contravene the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021.

The authority said the exercise is part of its ongoing efforts to protect consumers, ensure compliance with industry regulations, and promote transparency and accountability in the downstream petroleum sector.

The Head of Distribution Systems, Storage and Retailing Infrastructure, Olufemi Adebowale, who led the enforcement team, said the action underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting consumers from unfair business practices and enforcing compliance with petroleum regulations.

Adebowale explained that the decision to seal the filling stations was prompted by the operators’ repeated violations of regulatory requirements.

He disclosed that records available to the authority showed that one of the stations had persistently breached regulations by dispensing less fuel than customers paid for, unlawfully removing official seals placed on the facility, and resuming operations without the required authorisation.

According to him, such actions violate the Petroleum Industry Act 2021 and undermine efforts to protect consumers from exploitation.

He said: “The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority is carrying out a lawful enforcement exercise at this facility.

“Our records have consistently shown that this company has been violating regulatory requirements.

“It is time to make it clear that operators cannot continue to under-dispense petroleum products, deliberately remove our seals and believe there will be no consequences. That is why we are here to enforce the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021.”