The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) on Thursday said it has intensified its surveillance in Niger State, northern Nigeria.
In spite of the increase in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) known as petrol by the Federal Government, the DPR has ensured that marketers adhered strictly with the new pump price of 145 Naira per litre in the state.
The Controller of DPR in Niger State, Engineer Abdullahi Jankara, disclosed this to reporters after a surveillance inspection tour in Minna, the state’s capital.
He said the agency would not relent in its efforts to ensure that the marketers obey the order, in times of price and standard distribution of the product to the public.
“We have seen normal situation since the increase in the price of PMS, especially in Minna due to the availability of the product,” he said.
Jankara assured that cheating in times of delivery would not be accepted just as the DPR would watch out for sharp practices by the petroleum marketers, who he said were fond of perpetuating such illegal acts in the state.
“Although it is not yet over because of the feelers we are getting from the hinterland on the exact situation, on a general note we have 80% compliance as things will be in total control,” he added.
The DPR boss vowed to continually beef up surveillance team into the hinterland to replicate what is happening in the townships.
He said that many filling stations have complied with with the new price while erring stations have been compelled to revert to the official price.