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

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

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

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

He stated that records held by the authority revealed that one of the stations had repeatedly breached regulatory requirements by dispensing less petroleum product than customers paid for, unlawfully removing official seals placed on the facility, and resuming operations without the required authorisation.

He stated that such actions are in violation of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021 and undermine initiatives aimed at protecting consumers from exploitative practices.

Adebowale said ” The Nigerian Main stream Regulatory Authority is carrying out a lawful enforcement on this facility. Our records have consistently shown that this company has been violating Regulatory compliance.”

“It is high time we made it clear that they cannot continue to under-dispense products, deliberately remove our seals and believe that nothing will happen and that is why we are here to enforce the provisions of the petroleum industry Act 2021.” he added.