Ondo govt warns against fuel hoarding, vows to deal with defaulters

By Boye Oyeyemi

The Ondo State Government has cautioned fuel marketers against shutting down filling stations to deliberately create artificial fuel scarcity across the state, warning that such actions would attract strict punitive measures.

This warning was contained in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Engr. (Dr.) Johnson Jaiyeola Alabi.

Alabi revealed that the government had noticed attempts by some marketers to disrupt economic activities by refusing to dispense fuel despite having products available.

He expressed concern that the alleged actions of some marketers were capable of sabotaging economic activities in the state, while explaining that the government had no objection to marketers selling fuel at the prevailing market price.

However, he warned that hoarding fuel or deliberately closing filling stations to create panic among residents would not be tolerated.

“Such practices could lead to panic buying and negatively affect commercial activities across the state. I therefore urge marketers to desist from the act, and any filling station found culpable would face appropriate sanctions in line with the law,” Alabi stated.