Ebonyi govt seals three petrol stations for alleged sharp practices

The Ebonyi State government has shut down three petrol stations in the state for alleged sharp practices.

The fuel stations located in Abakaliki were accused of meter adjustments and other related offenses.

The affected fuel stations are Edde Mass, R&C and Dozi Oil and Gas.

The Special Assistant to the Governor on Petroleum, Nwafor Nnaemeka, announced the closures while addressing journalists on Thursday in Abakaliki.

He warned that more retail stations would face similar actions as part of efforts to ensure accountability in the state’s petroleum sector.

He said: “The state government will continue to shut down any fuel stations that fail to meet the needs of the public,” Nnaemeka said. He urged petroleum dealers across the 13 Local Government Areas of the state to avoid fraudulent practices in fuel supply and distribution.

READ ALSO: Ebonyi govt to prosecute former fertilizer plant GM for alleged fraud

“Fuel pump price hike is a global issue. Currently, the increase in pump prices from depots to fuel station owners, due to product shortages, affects Ebonyi State just as it does everywhere else in the country,.

“We are working diligently to prevent under-dispensing at fuel stations. We received reports of fraud taking advantage of product shortages, prompting us to deploy a task force to monitor all fuel stations closely.”
The governor’s aide also refuted claims that fake task force agents are extorting money from fuel dealers.

“The allegations that the government is not monitoring fuel station activities are false. The closures of the three fuel stations are evidence of our commitment to addressing malpractices.

We will use these cases as examples and pursue full legal action against those involved in defrauding the public, ” he added.

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