By Teddy Nwanunobi
The Department for Petroleum Resources (DPR) has warned petroleum marketers not to hoard fuel, or create artificial scarcity ahead of the before, during and after the Easter season.
DPR, in a statement it issued on Wednesday by the Head of Public Affairs, Mr. Paul Osu, assured Nigerians that the products will be available during the Easter period.
“There will be adequate supply of petroleum products before, during and after Easter,” the statement read in part.
Osu said that there was product sufficiency nationwide, and advised marketers against hoarding and creating artificial scarcity.
He said DPR would intensify its monitoring and surveillance of petroleum products outlets to ensure compliance with quality, quantity, integrity and safety of operations in line with its regulatory mandate.
Osu advised consumers to report any infraction such as under dispensing of products to any DPR office nationwide.
He also reiterated the DPR’s commitment to safety and advised consumers to observe all necessary safety protocols in the handling of petroleum products, especially at this season of harmattan.
Osu said the regulatory agency would continue to initiate appropriate initiatives to enable business and create opportunities for investors and stakeholders in the oil and gas industry in Nigeria.
It would be recalled that the Federal Government had declared April 2 and April 5 as public holidays to mark the Easter celebration.