The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has directed filling stations across the country to accept the use of Point of Sale (POS) and bank transfer for the sale of petrol to customers.

The NMDPRA, while condemning the rejection of the use of POS machines and bank transfer at filling stations, said the development has been causing untold hardship for Nigerians.

It made this known via a statement issued on Thursday by its General Manager, Corporate Communications and Stakeholders Management.

The Authority noted that its officials and security operatives will be at retail outlets to ensure compliance with the directive, adding that any filling station found violating the order will be sanctioned.

NMDPRA stated: “It has come to the attention of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) that some retail outlets are not accepting the use of Point of Sale (POS) machines at their filling stations due to the recent cash crunch brought about by the new Naira design.

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“The Authority frowns at this recent behaviour which is causing untold hardship for Nigerians at a time when all hands should be on deck to assist the Government in the transition to the new Naira.

“All retail outlets are directed to ensure the free use of POS and bank transfer for the sale of petroleum products to alleviate the suffering of customers at this critical time.

“The Authority and security agencies will be at retail outlets to ensure compliance with this directive and any filling station found violating this directive will be duly sanctioned.

“We reassure the general public of our commitment to ensuring good quality service in the sale and distribution of petroleum products nationwide.”

The Star