20 Stations Shut in Lagos after Selling Petrol for More than N97

As Nigerians continue to groan under the agonies of fuel scarcity, the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) said it has shut down at least 20 petrol stations in Ikorodu axis of Lagos State for selling petrol above recommended price of N97 per litre. As a result, long queues have appeared in the petrol stations selling the product at the normal price.

According to the Tribune, which reported the news, in a telephone chat with the Nigeria Tribune, Lagos Controller of DPR, Mr Gbenga Koku, said “I can confirm to you that we shut 20 petrol stations today in Ikorodu axis of Lagos State and they are going to remain shut for not less than one week until they pay the necessary penalty for non-compliance.

“Our mandate is to ensure consumers get fuel at right quantity, right quality and right price. But we cannot be everywhere at the same time… Today, we concentrated on Ikorodu and we will continue to shut them if they refuse to comply. We do not mind if no station is selling again, because this is disturbing.”

On the issue of long queues in some petrol stations, he said “maybe the shutting of some petrol stations led to pressure on those selling at the appropriate price of N97 per litre.” However, it would be nice if the DPR could try to spread their tentacles wider – even beyond Lagos State.