By Milcah Tanimu
The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has sealed over 12 filling stations and fined three fuel marketers for allegedly distributing stolen fuel. This action follows an operation led by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in August 2024, which resulted in the confiscation of seven petrol trucks and over 466,000 litres of smuggled fuel.
The NCS intensified its “Operation Whirlwind” to tackle the smuggling of petroleum products, particularly in border states. As a result, 12 retail outlets were shut down, 23 vehicles were seized, and several arrests were made. The sealed stations were handed over to NMDPRA for further regulatory actions.
In response to the NCS report, the NMDPRA imposed fines on three marketers found guilty of selling the stolen fuel. This crackdown comes as Nigerians face skyrocketing petrol prices, which now exceed N950 per litre nationwide.
Petroleum marketers have raised concerns about pricing from the Dangote refinery, urging the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to ensure that locally refined petrol offers a more affordable option compared to imported fuel. Predictions suggest that petrol prices could reach N1,200 per litre in the near future, following recent announcements by NNPC.
