DPR seals off 33 filling stations in Rivers

The Department of Petroleum Resources, Port Harcourt Zone, said it had so far sealed off 33 filling stations for their involvement in unwholesome practices.

The Zonal Operations Controller, Port Harcourt, Mrs. Chioma Njoku, who disclosed this while briefing newsmen in Port Harcourt, said the filling stations were sealed for under-dispensing, overpricing and hoarding of fuel.

Njoku explained that the DPR, in collaboration with the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, also impounded four trucks laden with premium motor spirit (petrol).

She added that the product, which was meant for a filling station in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State, was diverted to Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital.

The zonal operations controller disclosed that over 4,000 rubber containers belonging to illegal fuel hawkers in the state were impounded by the DPR with the assistance of NSCDC operatives.

Njoku warned that the DPR would continue to clamp down on those involved in diversion, hoarding, underpricing and under-dispensing of petroleum products.

According to her, “This exercise has been ongoing in the last few days. We visited 231 filling stations in all. Some filling station owners shut down their stations when they heard we were coming around.