The Osun State branch of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has cautioned petroleum marketers against hoarding fuel in the state.
This comes amid the worsening fuel crisis that has yet again gripped the country.
Residents have also been warned against panic buying and storing fuel in their homes and other unsafe places that could trigger a fire outbreak.
NMDPRA State Coordinator, Adekunle Adeyemo, says the agency’s surveillance team would ensure no stations are hoarding fuel, adding that strict actions will be taken against violators.
Adeyemo has called on marketers to sell at reasonable prices and adhere to safety standards.
Consumers are also encouraged to report any malpractices noticed at fuel stations.
His words:
“We want to appeal to independent marketers who have petroleum products in stock to stop hoarding.
“It will be inhuman for those who have the product to be hoarding and inflating the pump price.
“The surveillance team of the agency is already out to ensure that those who have the product are dispensing it to motorists at a reasonable price.
“However, any filling station caught hoarding the product with the view of inflicting pains on the masses will not be spared.
“Yes, there might be a little challenge in the supply process, but relevant government agencies are doing everything possible to ensure that the situation is normalise.
“We will not fold our hands while some few individuals will be inflicting undue pain on the residents of the state by hoarding the products,’’ he said.
“Storing petroleum products at home can result in a fire outbreak, which can lead to the destruction of lives and property.
“We have to be wise, there’s no reason for panic buying or hoarding of the product because the government is doing everything possible towards adequate supply of the product,’’ Adeyemo added.