From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) at the weekend sealed over five petrol stations in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital, including the NMPC petrol station along the Pata Road, for carrying out underground tank repair works without due authorisation.
The Kogi State Controller, DPR, Engr. Paul Jezhi who led the operation against erring marketers operating in the state, ordered the immediate closure of the filling station, noting that any modification or repair work without due authorisation constitute serious hazard.
He was miffed that the management of the station went on with the unauthorised modification work side by side with the sale of petroleum products to customers.
Five other outlets were shut for under dispensing and selling beyond the government approved drive of N162/per liter for Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
He explained that government has not approved increase in pump price and hence illegal for anyone to do so.
He added that some of the erring outlets were giving soft landing, considering the situation on the ground and to avoid likely resurface of fuel queues of years past.
