The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) on Tuesday sealed off five filling stations in Ilorin, the Kwara state capital.
The Controller Ilorin Field Office , Sule Yusuf while speaking with newsmen said the Offences of the station sealed ranged from over-pricing, under-dispensing and abscondment from the station.
Yusuf who monitored over 35 filling stations across the State capital said the stations will only be reopened when they show remorse, pay sanction fees and comply with government policy.
He said: “We observed that operators seem to be taking laws into their hands by selling over what government has allowed them to sell, especially, for petrol. We’ve been going out to monitor before, and we’ll continue to do that.
“Today is just special because its price we’re out to monitor price, quality, quantity and pump efficiency.
“Two teams of the DPR officials went out this morning in different directions. We visited about 35 filling stations out of which two absconded and sealed. They know the consequences.
“They will only be reopened when they show remorse, pay sanction fees and comply. About three stations were caught over-pricing. We’ve forced them to bring the price down to the allowable range and they’ve complied so that they don’t continue cheating the public. For now, there’s no increase in pump price, so they have to comply.
“If any station is selling above window range of N162 and N165 per litre people should inform the authority. We’ll visit those stations and force them to comply in addition to sanctions.
The controller advised consumers to be wary of not being short-changed, saying that they should get value for their money.
“Operators are advised to play the game according to rules to avoid being sanctioned. Yes, they are out to make profits but not at the detriment of the majority of the public.”
