The Department for Petroleum Resources (DPR), has sealed 53 filling stations and 4 gas stations in Kaduna state for various offences.

Isa Tafida, Zonal Operations Controller, Kaduna Zone, disclosed this in Kaduna on Tuesday, during the department’s routine surveillance on filling and gas stations in Kaduna state.

According to Tafida, the exercise which took place in the month of July, is part of the organization’s responsibility of monitoring and supervising the activities of the Oil and Gas Industry across the country, which was “aimed at checking:
Product hoarding and diversion
Selling regulated products above the approved pump prices.

“Under dispensing petroleum products
Stations operating without valid licence or expired licence. Operating under unsafe condition and non-adherence to minimum safety standards.”

He explained that, “a total of 354 petrol stations were visited within the month and were found selling products below or at the approved pump prices of N143 to N145 per litre while 19 gas refilling plants were also visited.

“53 filling stations were sealed for various offences; 11 stations sealed for under-delivery to the public, 1 station was sealed for over-delivery, 40 were sealed for non-compliance and
adherence to safety regulations and 1 was sealed for diversion of product.

“Additionally, 4 gas refilling plants were sealed for offences varying from operating without a valid licence, installation and upgrade without approval and non-compliance to safety standards. Two plants were found to be operating illegally, i.e. construction and operation without a DPR licence
and other statutory approvals of relevant agencies.

“These were dismantled accordingly in addition to an Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) Add-on which had installed a capacity in excess of its issued approval.”

He emphasised on adherence to the safe operating conditions of LPG plants, in line with revised DPR Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and guidelines issued recently.

The Zonal Operation Controller, assured the general public that stringent safety measures are being applied in accordance with international best practice as the nation witnesses increased LPG demand and usage across the States of the Federation.

He commended all the retail outlets and LPG plants which have been operating in compliance with applicable petroleum laws, regulations and statutory guidelines, and assured that the ongoing surveillance exercise and the tempo will be sustained to ensure petroleum operations and all facilities are kept in check in the interest of the general public.

“I use this medium to caution all operators to desist from engaging in sharp practices and activities
that contravenes the Petroleum Laws and Regulations.” He added.