BY LAW IBITOYE
Following fuel scarcity and hike in the pump price, Ekiti State petroleum Task force on Saturday monitored some filling stations in the state to stop their sharp practices.
The Chairman, Petroleum Products Regulations Consumer and Protection Agency in Ekiti State, Hon. Arinka Odunayo during the exercise in the state capital, Ado-Ekiti, said the move is to ensure that the pump prices of petroleum products are sold at the agreed price.
He stressed that Governor Biodun Oyebanji frowns at the untold hardship the petroleum marketers subjected Ekiti people to, saying the price disparity would not be allowed. While assuring residents of the state that the state government is committed to curb fuel hoarding and other sharp practices.
He said: “We need to be out because what is going on in this state is barbaric. We won’t allow these people to continue to work against this government because this government has been doing well in the state.
“We discovered that some people are selling fuel at the rate of N660, N650 and N640 per litres respectively while others are selling at N760, N750 and N720 which ought not to be so. We are out today to cross check all the stations. Some closed their stations. People have been complaining that the prices are too high.
“This crisis is everywhere. Between now and next week, we will know the actual problem and how to resolve the issue. Today is Saturday and we don’t normally go out but due to the situation of things in town, we have to intervene. They should be patient. Between now and next week, everything will be resolved.”
Checks show that some filling stations like ; Eltayon Nigeria Ltd sold PMS at N720, Bovas along Bank road was selling at N640 while A.A Rano has no fuel.
Matrix Filling Station along Adebayo Road in Ado-Ekiti, hoarded 4,500 litres. Upon discovery, Chairman of Petroleum Products Regulations Consumer and Protection Agency in Ekiti State ordered the station to dispel the fuel to customers at N660 per litre.
Recall that Precise news had reported yesterday that Ekiti residents blame the State government for not taking prompt measures against the petroleum marketers .