HOARDING: Kwara DPR Dispenses Free Petrol In 2 Filling Stations

The Department of Petroleum Resources in Kwara State yesterday dispensed fuel to motorists and motorcyclists free of charge at an erring filling station in Ilorin, the state capital.
The station, Alkad and Sons Nigeria Ltd, situated along Olorunsogo, Ilorin, was caught hoarding a total of 2,300 litres of fuel.


It was learnt that the surveillance team of the department swooped on the station following a tip-off by concerned citizens that the management of the station was hoarding the commodity.
Acting on the intelligence, the team led by Operation Controller of DPR, Mr Salvation Philip, dug up the station’s stock and uncovered 2,300 litres of fuel while the station had allegedly told distraught buyers that it had exhausted the stock.

However, a dramatic scene ensued when motorists and other buyers scrambled for the commodity as soon as the DPR boss instructed that the fuel be sold free of charge in line with ministerial directive.
It took the intervention of security agents attached to the agency to control the surging crowd of cars and motorcycles.

In a similar scene, Nasmut Nigeria Ltd, located in Otte, Asa local government area of the state, a suburb of Ilorin, was found to be hoarding a large volume of petrol, after which the DPR operation controller ordered that the commodity be sold to members of the public free.
Findings showed that the station was initially sealed off by the DPR for engaging in sharp practices including selling above the official of N87 per litre.
But attendants at the station, allegedly acting on the instruction of manager, tampered with the seal and started selling to buyers at night.

Speaking with newsmen on the exercise, DPR operation controller said the action of the department was in accordance with the directive of Minister of State for Petroleum.
He stated that the punitive measure would serve as deterrent to other hoarders that it was no longer business as usual.
Philip said the agency was poised to ensure that the commodity was properly distributed among commuters.

“We are out for surveillance because of the situation on ground, and we want to make sure that the fuel that comes in is distributed to commuters. When we got to this place (Alkad), we dug and discovered that they (management of the station) were hoarding 2,300 litres of fuel
“We are giving the fuel free to fellow Nigerians that need it. It is a critical time; we have to utilize what is available. This is the second station so far we caught hoarding, and the ministerial directive is that whichever station that is caught hoarding, fuel should be given free to the citizens

We want to use this to serve a very strong warning to all marketers that anybody caught hoarding, diverting or flouting petroleum laws and regulations, that infractions would be meted with the full wrath of the law. Let this serve as a deterrent to all intending hoarders of petroleum products.”

Credit: Leadership