The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission has blamed some retail outlet owners for the fuel scarcity being experienced in some parts of Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital.
It said it has therefore sealed three petrol stations in the metropolis over alleged diversion of products.
The commission, formerly known as the Department of Petroleum Resources, said the three stations were sealed during a surveillance operation by its officials.
The commission’s Port Harcourt Zonal Controller, Goddy Ine, disclosed this on Sunday while addressing journalists after the exercise.
Ine warned against diversion of products thereby causing artificial scarcity, saying his men are always on the alert to track those indulging in such illegal activities.
He said, “It was obvious from the panic buying in some parts of the state that some of the petroleum dealers are diverting the product they have lifted from the depots.
“My men are always on the alert when we conduct such surveillance. We discovered that the stations where those products were meant to be taken to had no products.
“So, where have they taken the products to?”
Ine vowed that the commission will go after retail outlets in rural areas that sell products at unapproved prices.
“There is no disparity of pump prices anywhere in the state. Government has also not approved any increase in pump price. So, the difference could be whether you are dealing with a major company or you are dealing with an independent company, where the prices could range from N162 to N168 and thereabouts.
“Nobody is allowed to sell above the acceptable price limit. Of course, you know that we are going to name them and shame them also,” he stated.
