The Department of Petroleum Resources now know as Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission in Kogi State have been asked to exonerate itself from the activities of black marketer fuel stations who are short changing consumers through under dispensing of the product at fueling stations.
Abu Michael, Publisher, Editor in Chief, The Nigerian Post Newspaper made the call following what he called the deliberate tempering of meter leading to under dispensing by petroleum marketers in Lokoja.
According to him from the Nataco end of the State Capital, down to Ganaja village and Kabba Junction, all the fueling stations he explained are under dispensing even at the rate of N540 per litre, with consumers lamenting the wickedness.
The Journalists expressed dismay that despite the increase and the sale of fuel to consumers ranging from between N537-N540 per litre in the State Capital, the fuel stations are under dispensing, with the DPR looking the other way, making many to believe they are culpable.
Mr. Abu urged the DPR to prove to citizens that they are not culpable and partners in this unwholesome practice by speaking out, or better still carry out an oversight function of properly ensuring that consumers get value for money.
The Journalist expressed worries with the sufferings motorists and other users of PMS are made to go through in the State Capital following the removal of subsidy, lamented however that the under dispensing by the fuel stations remains most worrisome and has worsened the plights of Lokoja residents.
While pointing out that the fuel stations operators from all indication are taking the advantage of the forthcoming Salah Celebration to adjust their pumps, said the only way DPR will exonerate itself from the criminal activities of marketers would be to carry out their oversight function on the fuel stations.