The Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority has sealed eight petrol retail outlets in Warri and its surrounding areas.
This decision announced by the Coordinator, Mr. Victor Ohwodiasa, on Tuesday was carried out in response to various violations, including under- dispensing of fuel, operating without valid licenses, poor safety culture and poor housekeeping.
The affected stations were located in communities such as Ifiekporo, Ughoton, Ubeji, Effurun/Sapele Road and Ovwian within the Udu Local Government Area.
Ohwodiasa emphasized that this clampdown is part of the authority’s ongoing efforts to ensure that consumers receive the correct quality and quantity of petroleum products.
He also highlighted a concerning trend where operators allegedly adjust their meters on weekends, assuring the public that the authority will persist in its vigilance against such practices.
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“Our surveillance team was on the field on Sunday to checkmate the petroleum retail outlets on sharp practices.
27 stations were visited and eight among them were found wanting for various infringements.
“These facilities have been sanctioned and appropriate penalties will be meted out to them in line with the procedural guidelines. Some of them are first offenders and that notwithstanding, they will still face the wrath of the law. We have told them that we are keeping data of infringements.
“If they commit further offences, the punishment will be stiffer to serve as a deterrent to others. The essence is not punitive but of course corrective,” he said.
