24 September 2013, Lagos – The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) has decried the failure of some marketers of petroleum products to conform fully to all the relevant government regulations, saying this attitude has fueled suspicion of sharp practices by such marketers.
Speaking during the recent annual meeting between the DPR and the major and independent marketers in Lagos, the DPR’s Operations Controller, Mr. Gbenga Koku, noted that while the operators could be applauded for doing well in some areas, they performed badly in other areas. Koku pointed out that some unscrupulous marketers still operated with sub-standard price bill boards in their petrol stations.
“Some operators even encourage the operation of fake DPR personnel in their respective retail outlets. Also, some marketers engage in deliberate cheating by adjusting their pumps to maximise profits. Most are being penalised accordingly. The DPR will continue to impose necessary sanctions on erring marketers that violate regulations,” he said.
He said the meeting would afford the various stakeholders the opportunity to understand recent developments in government’s aspiration for the industry.
Koku stated that during the year under review, the oil and gas industry had a stable provision and effective distribution of petroleum products in and around the areas of operations, especially supply of products to retail outlets, which he said, improved considerably.
He attributed this success to the efforts of all the stakeholders in the downstream sector of the business.
Koku reminded the marketers that the DPR would soon commence the process of renewal of their operating licenses for the 2014/2015 licensing period and urged the operators of retail outlets to submit their applications for renewal promptly to facilitate early issuance of licenses. He warned that marketers, who failed to renew their licenses within a specific time limit, would have their operations suspended.
– This Day
