The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), said it will open an office in Yobe to effectively monitor activities of marketers, after sealing one petrol station for malpractice and poor environment.
Mr Idris Zoaka, North East Zonal Operations Controller stated this in Damaturu on Thursday during a sensitization and inspection tour of petrol stations in the state.
According to the controller, the proposed Damaturu office of the department will commence operation by December, or latest, January 2020.
He said a petrol station was sealed and barred from selling for dispensing below measurements and poor house -keeping.
“The litre measurement of the station in question was selling lower than the actual litre measurement, and in a dilapidated petrol station.
“The station was destroyed by rainstorm and they had applied for rehabilitation, which was approved, but instead of rehabilitating it, they were selling under a threatening environment,” he said.
The controller said most of the stations did not have serviceable fire extinguishers, adding that they had been warned to do the needful or be sanctioned.
He assured that the department will continue to dialogue and sensitize major and independent petroleum marketers for a harmonious working relationship to meet the needs of Nigerians.
Idris said marketers and consumers have been enlightened on safety tips at the petrol stations, and on usage of the product.
Meanwhile, some motorists who spoke commended the department for protecting the interest of consumers.
Alhaji Ali Usman, a motorist, urged the department to open a branch office in the state to check the excesses of greedy marketers who short-changed unsuspecting motorists.
Musa Bukar, a commercial motorist, said some marketers adjusted their pump machines to the controlled measurement and price only when the department was on routine duty in the state.
“Most of the petrol stations dispense below the official measurement and adjust same whenever officials of the department visit the state, only to readjust after they leave,” he said.
