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The Ogun State Government, on Thursday, announced that the Task Force set up in the petroleum industry was aimed at addressing fuel meter tampering and other sharp practices among operators.
The government also denied allegations of harassment and intimidation made by the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria.
The state Commissioner for Transportation, Olugbenga Dairo, refuted the allegations of harassment and intimidation levelled against the task force by IPMAN.
Dairo explained that faced with soaring transportation costs and public outcry over fuel pricing malpractices, the government took a proactive approach by establishing the task force to regulate and ensure fair practices within the petroleum sector.
The commissioner revealed that, during its operations, the task force uncovered sharp practices at some filling stations, including tampering with dispensers.
He mentioned that the task force’s findings showed that, at Bugatee Filling Station, Idi-Aba, there was a shortage of 0.71 litres on every 10-litre purchase, resulting in a loss of about N700. At MRS Filling Station, Afariogun Close, Ilaro, there was a shortage of 0.74 litres per 10 litres; AWO Filling Station, Aiyetoro Yewa, showed a 0.62-litre shortage per 10 litres; and MRS, Ijebu Ode, had a 1-litre shortage per 10 litres.
Other stations included MosBolarinde Concept Sotubo, Ogijo, with a 0.4-litre shortage per 10 litres, and Petrocam Gas and Fuel Station, Lusada, with a 0.4-litre shortage per 10 litres.
Engr. Dairo called on members of IPMAN to cooperate with the state government on fair pricing, stressing that striking a balance between consumer protection and the operational freedoms of marketers requires cooperation from all stakeholders.
“Moreover, the assertion that the task force’s establishment contravenes specific provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) could be seen as an interpretation that overlooks the necessity of regulatory measures in a market often fraught with irregularities.
“The government’s primary duty is to serve the public interest by ensuring fair pricing for fuel and combating unethical practices that can lead to inflationary pressures.
“Rather than threatening to stop fuel supplies, a collaborative approach would be more beneficial for all parties involved. Open dialogue between IPMAN and the Ogun State government could lead to a mutually agreeable solution that addresses the concerns of marketers while prioritising the welfare of the public.
“The issues at hand can surely be resolved through constructive engagement, ensuring that both the rights of marketers and the needs of consumers are met,” Dairo said.
The commissioner noted that IPMAN’s decision to escalate the issue by withdrawing services affects not only their businesses but also the residents of Ogun State who depend on an adequate fuel supply for daily activities.
Such drastic measures, he added, should be reconsidered in light of the potential hardships they may cause and the paramount importance of public welfare.
The commissioner once again assured commuters and transporters in Ogun State of the government’s zero tolerance for fuel pump manipulation and undue hikes in transportation prices
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