Department of Petroleum Resources ( DPR) in Kogi state has warned petroleum marketers and gas products to desist from any act that would undermined the laid down rules and regulations of the agency.
The state Operations Controller of DPR Engr Idris Zangi Mohammed
who gave the warning on Friday in Lokoja while interacting with newsmen lamented that compliance to the laid down procedures of DPR by petroleum marketers was far below expectation in Kogi state, warning that the agency under his watch will not condone any illegality no matter how small.
“It is unfortunate that some petroleum products marketers have refused to follow the guidelines laid by the government in running their outlets , I am calling on the filling and gas stations owners to observe high sense of responsibility in running their businesses to avoid being sanction collision by the agency.
“Also majority of filing station operators in the state would not want to comply with regulations, it will not be businesses as usual as culprits would be made to face stiff penalties” he said.
He expressed concern over some petroleum products marketers, filling station operators and gas marketers whose shops are located in residential areas , stressing that
though government needs money in the form of taxes , but that does not mean that people should endanger the lives of others.
“My mission in the state is to make the petroleum and gas Marketers to comply with regulations by obtaining their operating licence and renew them as at when due” he said.
While calling on marketers to renew their licenses as at when due , Engr Mohammed urged them to consider the safety and welbeing of the people in their daily business transactions.
On the issue of some residents taking to streets over the location of some filing stattions and gas retail outlets in their residential areas , the Operation Controller
advised them not to take the law into their hands but to come to the DPR office to lodge complaints for quick respond and lasting solution.
He pointed out that the government is spending huge resources to subsidize the petroleum products for the people , warning against under dispensing products to the citizens.
He described those diverting the products as economic saboteurs appealed to them to turn a new leaf or be ready to face the wrath of the law.