Before, during, and after the Yuletide, Osun State’s petroleum marketers have been cautioned by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, or NMDPRA, to refrain from hoarding and any other harsh activities.
Additionally, the government cautioned state citizens against hoarding petroleum products at home and engaging in panic buying.
Speaking to reporters in Osogbo on Wednesday, NMDPRA state coordinator Kunle Adeyemo issued the warning, saying that any marketer found to be storing fuel or adjusting pumps illegally could face penalties.
In order to punish any marketer found to be at fault, he said, agency representatives would keep traveling the state on monitoring and surveillance missions.
In accordance with its regulatory responsibility to guarantee adherence to quality, quantity, and safety of operations, he said the state’s NMDPRA would step up its monitoring and surveillance of outlets.
In order to prevent fire disasters, Adeyemo also cautioned drivers against making rash purchases and keeping gasoline items in or near residential areas.
There was no need for panic buying or stockpiling, according to the NMDPRA coordinator, who pointed out that the Federal Government had made enough petroleum products available to last through the holiday season and beyond.
“Petroleum products are available in all the depots around the country.
“Marketers should not engage in diversion, under-dispensing, hoarding, adulteration and unsafe acts in petroleum retail outlets.
“Any marketer or operator caught engaging in sharp practices will be sanctioned accordingly.
“Members of the public should also desist from storing petroleum products at homes because such action can cause a fire outbreak,” he said.
Additionally, Adeyemo urged state people to always use authorized and accredited gas facilities.
