Kehinde Ishola
The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority has warned residents of Osun State against panic-buying and storing petrol at home as the yuletide approaches.
The warning was issued on Thursday in Osogbo by the NMDPRA Coordinator in Osun State, Kunle Adeyemo, while addressing journalists.
Adeyemo assured residents that the state has sufficient petroleum product supply to meet demand before, during and after Christmas. He described the storage of petrol in homes as a major fire hazard that could lead to loss of lives and property.
He added that the authority had intensified monitoring and surveillance of filling stations to ensure compliance with safety, quality and quantity standards during the festive season.
According to him, any petroleum marketer involved in hoarding, diversion, under-dispensing, adulteration or any other sharp practice would face sanctions.
“Petroleum products are available in all depots across the country. Marketers should not engage in diversion, under-dispensing, hoarding, adulteration or unsafe acts at retail outlets.
“Any marketer or operator caught engaging in sharp practices will be sanctioned accordingly,” he said.