Warri Zonal Office Takes Action Against Fuel Retailers Over Violations
In a recent operation, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Warri Zonal Office, sealed six petrol retail outlets and an illegal gas refilling plant in Uvwie and Udu Local Government Areas of Delta State.
Mr. Goziem Chukwurah, the Head of Operations at the NMDPRA Warri office, led a surveillance team from the regulatory authority to close down these establishments. The closures were initiated due to offenses related to under-dispensing and the absence of operational licenses, among other violations.
The affected businesses included Bwede filling station, Pius A. Idoghor Oil and Gas, Eshegbe Oil, Fetega Oil, and Sole Energy Enterprise, all located in Orhuwhorun town, Udu Local Government Area. Additionally, Falcon Bay Oil at PTI Junction and another Falcon Bay Oil situated along DSC Expressway, both in Uvwie Local Government Area, were also sealed.
Addressing journalists at the conclusion of the surveillance operation, Mr. Chukwurah, representing the NMDPRA Coordinator in Delta State, Engr. Victor Ohwodiasa, highlighted that one of the primary goals of the regulatory agency is to ensure that consumers are not deceived by petroleum marketers.
He stated, “The purpose of this exercise is to ensure that consumers get value for their money. One of our mandates is that one litre should be one litre. Most of the petrol stations we visited were selling without operational licenses, so we had to shut down the stations and invite the owners to our office.”
The closure of these petrol outlets and the illegal gas plant is a part of the NMDPRA’s ongoing efforts to enforce compliance with regulations within the petroleum sector. Mr. Chukwurah affirmed that such enforcement activities will continue until marketers adhere to the appropriate guidelines.
He encouraged consumers to report any instances of sharp practices by petroleum marketers to the regulatory body for necessary action. Additionally, he reiterated the NMDPRA’s commitment to ensuring that petroleum products remain accessible to the public, while also warning marketers against engaging in illegal activities that could lead to the closure of their establishments.
In a related development, it was reported that an employee of Falcon Bay Oil was apprehended for violating the NMDPRA’s seal on their dispensing machine. The suspect has since been handed over to the appropriate authorities for prosecution.