Ogun State Government yesterday said a task force set up in the petroleum industry was to address fuel meter tampering and other sharp practices among operators.
It debunked allegations of harassment and intimidation.
Commissioner for Transportation, Olugbenga Dairo, said contrary to the allegations of harassment and intimidation levelled against the task force by the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), government, faced with soaring transportation costs and public outcry over fuel pricing malpractices, took a proactive approach by establishing the task force aimed at regulating and ensuring fair practices in the petroleum sector.
He said in the course of its duties, the task force observed some sharp practices by certain filling stations, including tampering with their dispensers.
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He said while carrying out its mandate, the task force discovered sharp practices at the filling stations visited, leading to financial losses for the unsuspecting public.
Analysis of the filling stations visited, according to him, showed that at Bugatee Filling Station, Idi-Aba, there is a shortage of 0.71 litre on every 10-litre purchased, amounting to about N700 in losses.
MRS Filling Station, Afariogun Close, Ilaro, has a shortage of 0.74 litre on every 10-litre; AWO Filling Station, Aiyetoro Yewa, has a shortage of 0.62 litre on every 10- litre; and MRS, Ijebu Ode, has a 1-litre shortage on every 10-litre.
Others include MosBolarinde Concept Sotubo, Ogijo, with a 0.4-litre shortage on every 10-litre, and Petrocam Gas and Fuel Station, Lusada, with a 0.4-litre shortage on every 10-litre.
Dairo called on IPMAN members to cooperate with the state government on the matter of fair pricing, saying striking a balance between consumer protection and the operational freedom of marketers was a delicate task that required cooperation from stakeholders.
“Moreover, the assertion that the task force’s establishment contravenes specific provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) can be seen as an interpretation that overlooks the necessity of regulatory measures in a market often fraught with irregularities.
“The government’s primary duty is to serve the public interest by ensuring fair pricing for fuel and combating unethical practices that can lead to inflationary pressures.
“Rather than threatening the stoppage of fuel supplies, a collaborative approach will be more beneficial for the parties involved. An open dialogue between IPMAN and Ogun State Government can lead to a mutually agreeable solution that addresses the concerns of marketers, while prioritising welfare of the public.
“The issues at hand can be resolved through constructive engagement, ensuring that the rights of marketers and the needs of consumers are met,” he said.
The commissioner noted that the decision by IPMAN to escalate the issue by withdrawing services affected not just their businesses, but also the residents of Ogun State, who depended on an adequate fuel supply for daily activities.
Such drastic measures, he added, should be reconsidered in light of the potential hardships that might ensue and the paramount importance of public welfare.
The commissioner reassured commuters and transporters of government’s zero tolerance for fuel pump manipulation and undue hike in fares.