NMDPRA seals filling station for diverting 18 trucks of petrol
Chigozie Amadi
As Nigerians battle with fuel scarcity, a filling station in Taraba State has been sealed off by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority for allegedly diverting 18 trucks of Premium Motor Spirit.
The filling station, Batoson OiI and Gas Limited is situated at Mararaba, Baissa Kurmi Local Government Area of Taraba State.
According to the NMDPRA, the filling station diverted the product in 18 trucks between May 4 and May 5.
In a post on its X handle, the NMDPRA, stated, “Batoson OI and gas Ltd Mararaba Baissa Kurmi LGA, Taraba State. Station was sealed for diversion of 18 trucks of PMS between 04/04/24 and 05/05/24”.
Recall that in an attempt to ensure the availability of PMS across Nigeria, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited and the NMDPRA began a 15-day massive supply of fuel.
Over 4,000 trucks were said to have supplied products to filling stations nationwide between May 4 and May 6.
As the massive fuel supply continues, Nigerians raised concerns that some marketers might divert the product or engage in sharp practices.
However, the NMDPRA warned that there would sanctions for diverting petroleum products.
The South-West Regional Coordinator of the NMDPRA, Ayo Cardoso, told Saturday PUNCH that anyone caught diverting fuel would face a sanction of N500/litre of all the quantity being diverted.
He added that fuel taken from the depots was being monitored through the manifest to ensure it got to the right location.
“We cannot say whether diversion is happening or not, but once we get them, we issue non-compliance notice to the marketers for them to explain. Once it is confirmed that you are diverting, you pay a penalty of N500/litre of the quantity diverted,” Cardoso noted.
