DPR Records 23 Pipeline Vandalism Cases

The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), says 23 cases of pipeline vandalism were recorded in the North West between January and March 2013.

The DPR also said it had closed down three filling stations in Kaduna over alleged cheating of motorists.

The spokesman of the North West office of DPR, Malam Mohammed Saidu, disclosed this while briefing newsmen in Kaduna.

He said 114 filling stations were recently inspected by the department in Kaduna state out of which the three were found wanting.

Saidu gave the names of the filling stations as Motafco Services Station in Maraban-Jos, Sul Service Station in Dankande-Toll Gate and Kenfeli Service station in Kujama, all of which were closed down for “pump under-delivery services”.

According to him, the stations also sell petroleum products including kerosine above the government approved prices.

He also accused the stations of diverting petroleum products, hoarding and operating in unsafe environment.

The spokesman added that the DPR had discovered 11 illegally built petrol stations in Kaduna and Zamfara states, and withdrew the construction licences of some stations in the zone that failed to comply with statutory regulations.

Saidu advised the public to report any filling station involved in sharp practices  as well as pipeline vandals to relevant authorities.