The Department of
Petroleum Resouces (DPR) last Thursday sealed two filling stations in Kotangora, Niger State, for dispensing fuel above the recommended pump price and failure to adhere to safety rules and regulations.
The stations that were sealed were AA Rano Nigeria Limited and Medengen Petroleum Company Nigeria Limited on Lagos Road, Kotangora.
The two filling stations were sealed during a routine inspection and monitoring of stations by the DPR Surveillance team led by its Public Relations Officer, Mr. Muhammed Seidu.
Seidu told journalists at the end of the exercise that AA Rano filling station was sealed because it violated the rules of the Petroleum sector.
He said, Manageent of the Station sold Premium Motor Spirit for N106 per litre, as against the regulated pump price of N97 per litre.
Seidu also said Medengen sold PMS at N110 per litre, which was also above the normal pump price and failed to put safety measures in place.
According to him, the station had no functional fire extinguisher, adding that in the event of fire outbreak, it would be difficult to save the environent.
He also said, the station violated the law by packing its trucks inside the station, which according to him endangers lives and property in the area.
“The two stations will remain sealed for four months until they are able to meet the conditions”, he said adding that DPR would ensure that products were dispensed to the members of the public at the approved price of N97 per litre.
Earlier, the Station Manager of Medengen, Mr. Medenge Garba, said he was ordered by his director to sell above pump price.
Garba said his boss would be in a better position to explain why the station sold above the noraml pump price.
However, the manager of the AA Pano filling station declined comment.