Why Do Filling Stations Collect Money From Gallon Owners In Lagos

On a particular evening, Mr Sunday went to a filling station in the area to buy petrol (PMS). Prior to this time, he had a neighbour who helped him to buy the product as he had no time to stand the long queues and now that the scarcity is over, he went to buy it himself. He was to buy #1,500 worth of the product which is just a little above 10 litres [at the former pump price, he would have gotten 17 litres] Sad right?

However, to his surprise the attendant told him that he will pay an extra #50 (10% of the value) as money for the gallon (aka money for keg) before he will proceed with dispensing the commodity. But the funny thing about it all is that this same charge does not apply to gallon owners who buy with their vehicles. So why do filling stations charge in the first place? Is it lawful? If, indeed it is lawful, then why is the charge not applicable to all gallon owners?

Are charges on gallons from filling stations lawful?

However, to his surprise the attendant told him that he will pay an extra #50 (10% of the value) as money for the gallon (aka money for keg) before he will proceed with dispensing the commodity. But the funny thing about it all is that this same charge does not apply to gallon owners who buy with their vehicles. So why do filling stations charge in the first place? Is it lawful? If, indeed it is lawful, then why is the charge not applicable to all gallon owners?

I feel we have reached the stage where we need to ask questions and know why certain things are done in the first place. What are the reasons and motives behind such things? Due to power challenges in Nigeria, virtually all homes have at least a generator and for it to be powered requires buying petrol via the medium - gallon. What this means is that the gallon money payment is inevitable since everyone must use it to buy petrol.

In conclusion, I would say that since this charge is not applicable to all users then such filling stations and/or their attendants have succeeded in devising an unlawful way of earning more money. Something needs to done.