The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has taken firm action in Calabar, shutting down three petrol stations for overcharging customers and using faulty meters to dispense fuel.
This enforcement is part of NMDPRA’s broader initiative to ensure fair and transparent fuel distribution throughout the state, protecting consumers from exploitation.
The crackdown, led by NMDPRA’s South-South Regional Coordinator, Comfort Ajayi, targeted several stations in the state capital.
Ajayi issued a stern warning to marketers, emphasizing that any station found cheating the public will face significant penalties.
Ajayi also addressed the prevalent issue of fuel hoarding and illegal sales in jerrycans, which contribute to artificial scarcity and cross-border smuggling.
She assured residents that NMDPRA is committed to cleaning up the sector and safeguarding consumers.
Meanwhile, truck drivers have expressed frustration over long wait times at depots, despite assurances from depot managers that operations are running smoothly and fuel is being dispensed without hoarding.
NMDPRA’s crackdown is part of a larger effort to restore consumer confidence in the availability and pricing of petroleum products in Cross River State and beyond.
