Akwa Ibom to develop database for kerosene dealers

THE Akwa Ibom Petroleum Products Monitoring Committee says it will develop a database for all kerosene surface tank dealers in order trace sources of adulterated kerosene in the state.

The Senior Special Assistant to the state governor on Petroleum Matters, Obong Essien Esema, made the disclosure on Monday in Uyo at a sensitization meeting of stakeholders on Kerosene fire incidents.

Esema, who is the chairman of the committee, explained that accreditation of surface tank dealers would help identify sources of contaminated products in cases of explosion.

“In areas where there are reported cases of kerosene adulteration or explosion in the state, we will ensure that the sale of kerosene is stopped immediately.

“We will ensure that all petroleum storage tanks, receptacles and transporting trucks are properly colour-coded,” Esema said.

He directed surface tank dealers to paint their receptacles blue with white stripes in the middle of the tanks to indicate that they were kerosene dealers.

The senior special adviser warned that non-compliance with the colour code would result in prosecution of offenders.

Esema, who lamented that in the last one year, 48 cases of kerosene explosions were reported in the state, announced that surface tank dealers would also be made to undergo mentoring programme.

He said that the mentoring programme would require the surface dealers to operate under the supervision of an independent or major marketer to ensure quality products supply.

Esema further explained that the process would expose the surface tank dealers to some safety measures required to make the products usage safe.

He also advised kerosene consumers not to refill their lanterns or stoves while the devices are hot.

“It is advisable to fill a kerosene lantern and stove outdoors using a fill spout. Kerosene should be stored away from the home and any heat or ignition sources,” Esema said.

Speaking on behalf of the surface tank dealers, Mrs Lucy Eyo, thanked the committee for organising the stakeholders meeting.

Eyo said that the dealers were ready to cooperate with the state government to curb incessant kerosene explosion in the state.

She pledged that the dealers would comply with all the safety measures put in place by the government and appealed for regular supply of kerosene through authorised sources.

Eyo explained that no dealer would patronise unknown sources if the product was available through  authorised channels.