Consumers Group Accuses NMDPRA of Fuel Regulation Failures

The Nigeria Energy Consumers Watch Initiative, led by President Alhaji Abdulrahman Sani Ibrahim, has accused the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) of not effectively addressing the importation of adulterated and substandard petroleum products into Nigeria. In a statement released on Friday, Ibrahim highlighted the serious threat posed by blended fuel from Dubai and other countries to consumers and the economy.

The group criticized the NMDPRA for not taking decisive action against major marketers involved in these imports, despite previous warnings from the regulator about the quality of imported fuel. They described the ongoing importation of such products as an economic crime, which could damage vehicles and machinery, increase operational costs, and burden consumers already facing high energy prices.

The organization called for intensified surveillance and testing of petroleum products at various points and demanded sanctions against marketers who fail to meet regulatory standards.