By Adedapo Adesanya
Twelve filling stations in Sokoto and Kebbi states were closed down by the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) for under-dispensing and operating without valid licence.
This was disclosed by the Zonal Operations Controller of DPR in charge of Sokoto and Kebbi states, Mr Muhammad Makera.
Mr Makera said the stations were sealed during unscheduled inspection by the department’s officials between Tuesday, September 17 and Thursday, September 19.
He said five filling stations were sealed for under-dispensing of petroleum products while the remaining seven were sanctioned for operating without valid licence and non-adherence to required safety precautions.
The DPR top employee also said the agency officials inspected at least 99 filling stations in both Sokoto and Kebbi states within the period, expressing shock that most of the stations’ managers feigned ignorance of the regulations of the department.
He then used the opportunity to warn petroleum marketers to desist from such sharp practices, saying severe sanctions awaited offenders. According to him, fuel stations ought to update their operational licences and regularize their operations promptly to avoid clampdown.
He charged consumers to report any suspicious or sharp practice noticed in any fuel station to the department for necessary action, kicking against the current trend of short-changing customers by filling stations.
He said that the department’s surveillance team was working to ensure availability of petrol at regulated price of N145 per litre and further cautioned marketers against flouting government regulations and customers against panic buying.
Modupe Gbadeyanka