DPR SEALS 10 PETROL STATIONS AND 4 LPG PLANTS IN KADUNA ZONE

"Resist any increase by any operator and, as a civic responsibility, to report any operator found to be selling petrol above the approved pump price of #145/litre", DPR Tells Public.


Nigeria's major regulator in the Oil and Gas sector; the Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR which is saddled with responsibility of the oil and gas sector industry in the country, has rolled out some its achievements in the outgoing year of 2019.

Against past occurrences of shortages and disruptions in the supply of petroleum products especially during the yuletide season, 2019 has proven to be different as consumers had had easy access to products without having to stay on queues for hours and days on end, in their quest to purchase petrol for their cars.

In drawing its activities for the year to a close, the Department for Petroleum Resources, DPR in a statement issued Tuesday, 31 December 2019, disclosed that whereas, in the past when consumers had to face challenges in procuring products for their consumption, recent supply pattern to the nigerian domestic market and the Kaduna zone has been stable which is largely due to bridging from the southern coastal depots.

The statement, which was signed by the Zonal Operations Controller in charge of Kaduna zone, Isa Tafida, noted these achievements became feasible due to the renewed vision of the current administration, leading to sufficient availability of products.

The Zonal Operations Controller, in the statement, revealed that "a total of 768 petrol stations and 38 LPG plants were visited within the quarter while ten (10) petrol stations were sealed for various offences ranging from Pump under-delivery, diversion and noncompliance to safety regulations".

"Four (4) LPG plants were also sealed for installations and upgrade  without approval, contravening safety regulations and non-conformity to Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)", he stated.

Tafida disclosed that the regulatory agency was able to achieve this through intensified monitoring activities and constant contact and synergy with all stakeholders in the downstream sector within the zone.

He noted that in compliance with yhe manadelate of the Federal Government of Nigeria of ensuring the avai of products without adulteration, the Department was able to intercept large consignments of adulterated AGO defined for public consumption on various occasions.

The Zonal Operations Controller revealed that these products were quarantined and reblended to meet standard specifications before being allowed to be sold to the public.

"In line with the FG's aspiration on LPG penetration, prevent indiscriminate cutting down of trees to checkmate desert encroachment, DPR has encouraged LPG utilization and usage in the domestic energy market", he stated.

The DPR, Kaduna zonal operations has licensed 38 LPG plants and 50 retailers to avert the dangers and risk associated with decanting LPG by unlicensed retailers, Tafida disclosed.

"We appeal to users to patronize only DPR licensed gas facilities to safeguard lives and properties", the Zonal Operations Controller stressed.

He noted that DPR has carried out several public enlightenment programmes such as stakeholders workshop on lubricants, public jingles on Sade handling of petroleum products and assured of its continuance.

"DPR is always available to assist, listen and take up complaints and observations", he said.

The Zonal Operations Controller, in the statement gave out five (5) points for the public to note as advisory, namely;

*Avoid  panic purchase of of petrol as the country has enough stock of products in the depots and petrol stations.
*Avoid storing petrol in your houses inside plastic or metal containers as this poses a Sanger of fire hazards.
*Avoid travelling with petrol in cans in your cars.
*Report any filling station(s) that you observed are engaged in sharp practices.
*Don't buy petrol from road side hawkers to avoid buying adulterated product as this night damage your vehicle and machineries.

In his closing, Isa Tafida warned all operators to desists from engaging in sharp practices such as hoarding , diversion of petroleum products across the borders and selling above the government approved rate of #145/litre.