In the wake of apprehension over scarcity of petroleum products in the state, the Edo State Government has warned petroleum marketers hoarding petroleum products and selling above the pump price of N145/per litre to desist from the act, as those found culpable would be made to face the full wrath of the law.
Edo State Commissioner for Energy, Oil and Gas, Hon. Joseph Ugheoke, who gave this warning in a statement, said that the state government has called a meeting with executives of the Edo State Chapter of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigerian (IPMAN) and Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN), to strategise on how to ensure steady supply of petroleum products during the Easter celebrations.
According to him, “It has come to the notice of the State Government that Petroleum Marketers are illegally hoarding and diverting Petroleum Products thereby creating unnecessary hiccups and tension in the Sector. All petroleum marketers are hereby enjoined to cooperate with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to ensure that petroleum products are promptly distributed.”
He assured Edo people of adequate supply of petroleum products across the state, particularly during the Easter period, noting, “I wish to use this medium to appreciate the general public for their cooperation and to invite the chairman of IPMAN and MOMAN to a meeting at the Ministry’s Headquarters in Ezoti Street on Friday 12th April 2019, at 10 am.”
Stating that the state government is working to ensure that petroleum marketers do not exploit members of the public, he said, “Any petroleum marketer found to be selling Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) above the stipulated price of N145 per litre or causing a hitch in the supply chain, will be made to face the full wrath of the law. All relevant security agencies and stakeholders in the petroleum sector are expected to adhere to Government’s stand with regard to the above.”
