KEY POINTS
- Jigawa taskforce warns stations manipulating dispensers to cheat customers.
- Fuel station cheating leads to inspections and potential closures.
- Residents support crackdown to protect consumer fuel rights.
Fuel stations were cautioned on Tuesday by the Jigawa State Taskforce on Petroleum Monitoring, Sale, and Distribution not to tamper with dispensers in order to defraud customers.
Fuel station cheating triggers state inspection across Jigawa
The warning was given by Taskforce Chairman Retired Colonel Muhammad Alhassan while inspecting gas stations throughout the state.
According to Alhassan, the taskforce will not put up with any malpractice and will act swiftly against anyone who violate it, including shutting down these stations.
He emphasized that dishonest business practices are not tolerated in Jigawa and stated that “any station caught shortchanging customers will face closure and public exposure.”
He called such practices dishonest and unlawful and voiced alarm about claims that certain stations purposefully under-dispense fuel by manipulating meter readings.
During the ongoing monitoring tour, Alhassan praised a few fuel stations in Ringim, Dutse, and Hadejia for adhering to appropriate calibration criteria.
“We value these stations that comply. Their actions demonstrate their regard for customers and dedication to the delivery of fuel in an ethical manner,” he said.
The taskforce will continue its statewide inspections, he warned, and any station found to be stockpiling fuel or violating the law will face harsh consequences.
Alhassan further mentioned that the objective is to guarantee openness, rebuild consumer confidence, and uphold equity throughout Jigawa’s 27 local government districts.
He gave the locals his word that the taskforce will continue to safeguard the interests of consumers by regularly monitoring the distribution and sale of petroleum.
The majority of fuel station managers who were asked to comment said they were not permitted to speak to the media.
One manager walked away without answering, while another remarked, “I’m sorry, I can’t speak to the press.”
Consumers support crackdown on fuel station cheating statewide
According to Punch, drivers and fuel purchasers at a number of stations expressed support for the taskforce’s inspection activities despite their silence.
It’s far past time. In Dutse, Sule Mahmud expressed her satisfaction that the government is finally taking action against these dishonest stations.
Aminu Baura applauded the deed as well. “They have been stealing from us for far too long. He answered, “Let them continue to check and punish offenders.”
Sadiq Umar, a fuel buyer, asked the committee to increase the number of inspections. She went on to say, “They should continue going to stations until everyone obeys.”
