By Mustapha Usman, Kano
The Kano office of the Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR, has sealed 15 filling stations for various violations in the wake of the fuel scarcity in the state.
Addressing journalists on Wednesday in Kano, the DPR’s Operations Controller, Isa Tafida, said that six of the 15 stations were sealed for selling petroleum above official pump price.
He added that four of them were placed under seal for hoarding, while five were closed for diversion.
He also revealed that 99 of the 114 stations they visited on Wednesday were found complying with the government’s directive of selling the product at N145 price.
“Following panic buying that resulted in resurfacing of queues in filling stations within Kano metropolis, the DPR, Kano office has intensified monitoring/surveillance activities to curtail possible excesses by petroleum marketers.
“The action is on all fuel stations in Kano and Jigawa States to ensure that hoarding, diversion or under-dispensing of petroleum products is prevented. All consigned petroleum products must reach and be discharged at their designated outlets within the shortest possible time,” he added.
Mr Tafida further said the department ensured during the operation that all fuel stations were selling based on the approved pump price, while all available pumps at the stations must be made functional and dispensing accurately.
He however called on the general public to stop panic buying as they were up and doing to ensure availability of the product.
He also urged people to give them cooperation in a bid to contain the situation.
