DPR shuts 23 petrol depots for selling above government price

The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) has
shut 23 private petroleum products depots across
the country for selling Premium Motor Spirit (PMS)
to marketers above ex-depot price of N77.66 per
litre, a statement said.
The statement, issued by DPR Director, Mr
Mordecai Ladan, in Abuja on Sunday, said that the
shutting of the facilities took effect on Friday.
It added that the depots were mainly in Lagos
except for two in Warri, Delta, and three in Calabar.
“The clampdown on the private depots followed the
report of a special investigation team set up by
DPR to uncover some unwholesome practices by
the private petroleum products depots following a
tip-off,” the statement said.
It added that the depots would remain sealed until
the some conditions were met by the owners,
including payment of two million naira fine and an
undertaking that PMS would not be sold to bulk
buyers.
It also said that all subsequent sales would be at
N77.66 per litre as approved by the Federal
Government, adding that DPR would monitor the
sale of the remaining and subsequent products.
The statement further said that DPR had directed
all its offices to ensure that all filling stations sold
PMS at government approved price of N87.00 per
litre regardless of source of source depot. (NAN)