Fuel scarcity: DPR should go after filling stations hoarding fuel ―PTD Chairman

National Chairman, Petroleum Tankers Drivers’ branch of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), Mr Salimon Oladiti has tasked the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) to live up to its responsibilities of sanctioning filling stations who hoard fuel.

Oladiti, who spoke against the backdrop of queues that had resurfaced across states of the federation, said the DPR must arrest those owners of filling stations hoarding fuel to amass more money during the yuletide season.

He decried corruption by some actors in the petroleum industry content on imposing fuel scarcity by Nigerians for their selfish gains.

Oladiti, who is also Special Adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari on NUPENG (Informal Sector), expressed optimism that going by the current intervention by the federal government, the current fuel scarcity will subside before the week runs out.

“It is for the Department of Petroleum Resources, which is the police in the industry, to do their work. It is a pity that we want continuity in bad things.”

“Most people see this yuletide season as a season to make excess money and I refer to that money as bad money. A situation where Nigerians are suffering and someone makes money out of such situation is bad and inhuman.”

“I advice such people to think twice. The government will not fold its hands and allow the fuel scarcity thrive. We have Nigerians at heart. The government will not fold its hands,” Oladiti said.

He vowed that the price of fuel was bound to be pushed down once Nigeria begins to refine her crude oil locally from next year.

“We are exporting crude oil due to lack of planning by the people in government in years past. When Dangote commissions its refinery next year, we will not export what we have and this helps reduce the landing cost and other costs incurred in exporting and importing fuel. When we begin to refine our crude oil, the cost of fuel will go down,” Oladiti said.