The Ebonyi State Government has sealed three filling stations within the Abakaliki metropolis due to their alleged involvement in sharp practices, including meter adjustments and other related offences.
Mr. Nwafor Nnaemeka, Special Assistant to Governor Francis Nwifuru on Petroleum, disclosed this while addressing the press in Abakaliki. He emphasized the state’s commitment to enforcing standards in the petroleum sector and warned that more petrol stations could face similar actions if they fail to meet regulatory demands.
Nnaemeka reiterated the state government’s resolve to ensure that fuel stations operate fairly and transparently. He urged petroleum dealers and marketers across the 13 Local Government Areas of the state to avoid fraudulent practices, especially in fuel supply and distribution.
He acknowledged that the hike in fuel pump prices is a national issue, largely due to the unavailability of products, and noted that Ebonyi State is not exempt from these challenges. “We have been working tirelessly to ensure that fuel stations do not under-dispense. We received reports that some stations are taking advantage of the product scarcity to defraud the masses,” he said.
As part of efforts to curb these practices, the state deployed a task force to monitor fuel stations closely. So far, Edde Mass, R&C, and Dozi Oil & Gas fuel stations have been sealed for under-dispensing fuel.
Nnaemeka also addressed concerns about fake task force agents allegedly extorting money from dealers, dismissing these claims as false. He assured that the state government would continue its crackdown on illegal activities in both urban and rural areas to ensure that consumers receive fair value for their payments.