The Department of Petroleum Resources in Bayelsa has sanctioned 16 filling stations in the state for engaging in various illegal sharp practices.
According to Mr Asuquo Antai, Operations Controller of DPR in Bayelsa, the marketers were sanctioned for overpricing, under-dispensing and product diversion.
The Affected 16 marketers were made to pay huge fines into government coffers, as well as sign an undertaking not to indulge in the practices again. This is one of the many actions now taken by the DPR to control illegal practices. For Instance, due to intensified monitoring and sanctions, the DPR has reduced the diversion of PMS and other products by marketers to the barest minimum.
Disclosing part of activities put in place to check sharp practices in the state, Mr Antai said the DPR had decided to publicize all allocated petrol products from government source. This would enable them to track the product movement.
“If they say between 30,000 and 33,000 litres have been sent to a particular station, we will ascertain if those product quantities actually arrive that station. If we ascertain arrival, we find out if the marketers selling without hoarding, without under dispensing and selling at the approved price.”
They also appealed to people to keep an eye on all stations. If anyone observes any sharp practices, they should call the DPR via the numbers on their website, to intervene.