The Department of Petroleum Resources has advised petroleum product marketers to shun unwholesome practices in their operations and align with government to sanitise the Downstream sector.

The Director of Petroleum Resources, Mr. George Osahon gave the advice at the 2014 stakeholders’ forum between the Lagos Zonal Office, DPR and petroleum product marketers that took place recently. He enjoined operators to avoid any form of infraction particularly in the area of pricing. He appealed to marketers to sell products within the stipulated prices, warning that DPR will sanction marketers that flout the extant petroleum laws and regulations.

Mr. Osahon further advised marketers to submit the applications for renewal of their 2015 licenses early, in order to allow  DPR update its database in preparation for the planned migration of the licensing processes into the electronic portal. He assured the marketers of DPR’s cooperation, stressing that the stakeholders’ forum was primarily conceived to provide a platform for constructive engagement between government and stakeholders  to improve communication.

The Director asked marketers to be vigilant and operate with utmost attention to safety and environment. He also counselled  that respective marketers should take urgent steps  to constantly upgrade their equipment and facilities to qualify for renewal of their operating licenses.