Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — In a bid to promote the penetration of Liquefied Petroleum Gas LPG, the River State Government has announced plans to set up a gas monitoring taskforce to compliment efforts of the Federal Government in compliance monitoring and its effects to the people of the state.
Rivers State Commissioner for Energy and Natural Resources, Dr. Peter Medee, announced the at the 2020 technical workshop orgainsed for LPG depot operators, refilling plants and retailers in Port Harcourt by the Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR.
Medee said Rivers State is strategically located to take advantage of the availability of LPG for industrial transformation and development, and enhancing good safety practice.
Speaking on the theme, safe handling- a sure way to deepening LPG penetration and utilization, the Commissioner said LPG is a clean and modern fuel that brings comfort to consumers nationwide.
He assured of his ministry’s continued synergy with DPR and other relevant stakeholders in LPG sub-sector, to curb unwholesome practices and ensure compliance monitoring, in line with international best practices in the industry.
“LPG penetration will stimulate GDP growth, enhance economic empowerment, reduce poverty across the state, create new jobs, reduce youth unemployment, and accelerate the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals among others.
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“We are aware that Rivers State is a major stakeholder in the oil and gas industry and has significant gas outlets in the State. The operational safety and handling is imperative for consumers and the gas industry.
“In realisation of the significant role and benefits of the State, especially in the safety culture, monitoring and elimination of sharp practices among LPG depot operators, refilling plants and retailers, led to the approval of the soon to commence, Gas Monitoring Task Force by the Rivers State Government, to compliment efforts of the Federal Government in compliance monitoring and its effects to the people of the State.
“This effort is in collaboration with the DPR and the security agencies and will serve as an effective management system. Eliminate sharp practices to as-low-as reasonably practicable among LPG depot operators, refilling plants and retailers.
“The Rivers State Government is aware that the guidelines for good safety practice in the LPG industry have been developed by the World LPG Association, to provide global LPG industry participants with a tool for ensuring that marketplace, and more importantly the customer, is not compromised by unsafe practices.
“These guidelines identify the key stakeholders within the LPG industry and also described their responsibilities to ensure a safe environment for LPG dealers in the supply chain.”
