Bassey Inyang in Calabar
The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) in Akwa Ibom and Cross River States has announced that no fewer than 24 filling stations have been sealed in both states for engaging in illegalities, especially the diversion of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to non-designated places.
DPR’s Operation Controller in charge of the two states, Mr Bassey Nkanga, disclosed this while briefing journalists on Thursday on some steps taken by the DPR to ensure that fuel meant for discharge in designated retail outlets get to their destinations.
“We have sealed 24 filling stations both in Akwa Ibom and Cross River. We also sanctioned them for no less than 30 days at the minimum. If you go to Northern Cross River in particular, there are stations that are still under DPR seals.
“We have sealed them for more than 90 days because they have refused to come and pay the fine and we don’t allow them to operate,’’ Nkanga said.
Nkanga who commented on the truck with registration NHC 227 XA, impounded on Wednesday while attempting to smuggle 40,000 litres of petrol from Calabar to Cameroon, disclosed that two suspects linked with the smuggling attempt have been arrested.
“We are going back to the station in Akamkpa to put DPR seals to stop the station from every other activity,’’ Nkanga said.
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