BOMBSHELL! FG Sends Urgent Message To Marketers After Tinubu Was Told To Slash Petrol Price To N300/Litre
The Federal Government has issued a stern warning to petroleum marketers across the country, cautioning them against engaging in unethical practices, including hoarding and unauthorized price adjustments, as the holiday season approaches. This warning was conveyed by Kunle Adeyemo, the State Coordinator of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) in Osun State, during a media briefing in Osogbo on Wednesday.
Adeyemo emphasized the government’ s commitment to ensuring a steady supply of petroleum products during the festive period. He assured the public that there is an adequate stock of petroleum products in depots nationwide, urging marketers to desist from creating artificial scarcity through hoarding or diversion.
” Petroleum products are available in all depots across the country. There’ s no need for stockpiling or panic buying, ” Adeyemo said, addressing concerns over potential fuel shortages.
The NMDPRA official warned that strict sanctions would be meted out to marketers found engaging in sharp practices, such as hoarding, adulteration, and under- dispensing of products. Adeyemo highlighted the regulatory authority’ s resolve to protect consumers and ensure a seamless distribution process.
” Any marketer or operator caught engaging in diversion, under- dispensing, or other illegal acts will face the full wrath of the law, ” he stated firmly.
Adeyemo also underscored the dangers of unsafe practices, urging marketers to adhere strictly to operational guidelines. He stressed the importance of using authorized and accredited facilities for gas and other petroleum products, warning against unsafe acts that could endanger lives and property.
Addressing motorists and the general public, Adeyemo advised against panic buying and the storage of petroleum products in residential areas. He cautioned that such actions could lead to fire outbreaks, particularly during the dry season.
” Motorists should avoid storing fuel at home or making irrational purchases. Safety should remain a top priority, ” he noted, urging citizens to rely on the availability of products at filling stations instead of resorting to unsafe measures.
As part of efforts to curb unethical practices, the NMDPRA has intensified its monitoring and surveillance activities across the country. Adeyemo revealed that inspection teams would be deployed to filling stations and depots to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
The agency’ s proactive approach aligns with the Federal Government’ s broader objective of maintaining stability in the downstream petroleum sector, particularly during the festive season when demand typically surges.
Adeyemo called on stakeholders, including depot owners, marketers, and transporters, to cooperate with regulatory authorities in maintaining transparency and efficiency. He stressed that collaborative efforts are crucial in ensuring that Nigerians enjoy a hassle- free holiday season without the disruptions caused by fuel scarcity or inflated prices.
In addition to enforcement measures, the NMDPRA has launched a consumer awareness campaign aimed at educating the public about their rights and the dangers of patronizing unauthorized fuel outlets. The campaign seeks to empower citizens to report cases of exploitation or unsafe practices to the appropriate authorities.
Adeyemo urged consumers to remain vigilant and report any suspected cases of hoarding, adulteration, or overpricing to the NMDPRA. He assured the public that such reports would be thoroughly investigated, with prompt action taken against defaulters.
This development comes after Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain and former Deputy National Chairman, Bode George, appealed to President Bola Tinubu to lower the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly referred to as petrol, to N300 per litre during the festive period.
George made the call during a media briefing, emphasizing that such a move would bring relief to Nigerians and foster a more joyful Christmas celebration. He noted that the high cost of fuel has imposed significant financial strain on citizens, affecting their ability to meet basic needs.
” This reduction will go a long way in allowing Nigerians to enjoy a merry and memorable Christmas, ” George remarked, urging the federal government to consider the plight of the masses.
The PDP stalwart’ s appeal comes amid widespread economic challenges in the country, with many citizens grappling with rising living costs. George stressed that a temporary adjustment in petrol prices between December and January could serve as a crucial intervention to ease economic pressures during the holiday season.