Petrol regulatory body warns against fuel hoarding, price manipulation in Ekiti
By Boye Oyeyemi
The Ekiti State Petroleum Products Regulation and Consumer Protection Agency has cautioned fuel marketers against shutting down filling stations to create artificial scarcity of petroleum products across the state.
This warning was issued by the Chairman of the Agency, Talabi Odunayo, while noting that the agency had observed some operators refusing to dispense fuel despite having products in stock.
He warned that the state government would not tolerate any move capable of causing unnecessary hardship for the people through the hoarding of petroleum products.
The Chairman also cautioned filling station operators against increasing pump prices arbitrarily, especially without valid justification, while stressing that any marketer found hoarding fuel or inflating prices would be considered a saboteur and would be dealt with appropriately.
Odunayo added that the government has plans for erring marketers, urging operators to comply with regulations and support efforts to ensure stable fuel supply in the state.
