The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has closed down seven fuel stations in Kogi State for under-dispensing fuel to customers.
Kogi State Coordinator of NMDPRA, Ogbe Godwin, made this known during a press conference held in Lokoja on Thursday.
He said, “It is so disheartening to note that some people keep sabotaging the effort of the system for their own selfish interests. We are not telling them not to sell their product at their own price, but cheating the public, we will not condone it.
“It is a big offence to under-dispense petroleum products to customers. Any petroleum marketer caught will face the full wrath of the law.”
He explained that the NMDPRA inspected 50 fuel stations in Kogi, with seven found guilty of under-dispensing.
The affected outlets were listed as: “Solag Resources Limited Ankpa, Hismus Oil and Gas, Obajana; Riyenic Global Limited, Oke-Ibukun Kabba, S.O.T Nigeria Limited, Omuo Kabba, Marktot Oil and Gas, Kabba, (branding without authorisation) and NIPCO filling station Phase 1 Lokoja.”
Godwin said these stations will pay penalties to the federal government.
He added that some filling stations were also shut down for operating illegally in the state.
He added, “Four filling stations were sealed in Ankpa for operating without a license. They are Absala Oil and Gas, Yak Ali Oil and Gas, Yamuda Nigeria Limited, and Hanimat Nigeria Limited, all in Ankpa Local Government Area of Kogi State.
“Let me sound a note of warning to any marketer who is operating illegally in the state. It is better you go and do the needful by registering your stations with the Federal Government or the long arms of the law will catch up with you.
“There won’t be any breathing space for individuals who intend to sabotage government efforts in ensuring that petroleum products are available without any compromise.”
