DPR lifts sanction on Petrocam’s 89 petrol stations over violations

LAGOS, Nigeria – The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) on today lifted the sanctions on a downstream marketing company, Petrocam Trading Nig. Ltd., operating 89 petrol stations for violating the agency’s rules and regulations.

Mr Ahmed Shakur, the acting Director of DPR told newsmen in Lagos that the company committed infraction against the agency in one of its gas plants in Ayobo, a suburb in Lagos State. Shakur said there was need to educate members of the public on the agency’s surveillance and industry regulatory requirements, particularly as its affects oil and gas industry.

He said that the agency had a case with a marketers called Petrocam Trading Nig. Ltd.,that has over 89 filling stations nationwide.

Shukur also said the agency’s team on surveillance found the company to be operating a big gas plant, a facility that was sealed for committing an infraction.

Shukur said, “The team also went back to seal the facility for the second time. However, the company had the audacity to remove our seal. So, on that basis, the agency had no option than to impose some sanctions and these affected all its retail outlets nationwide.

We stopped supply of petroleum products to the company. As at today, the company has complied with the rule of the department and they have showed remorse on their actions.

“Also, we have reviewed their positions, and decided to lift the suspension against the company,’’ he said.

The DPR boss, however, informed members of the public that the department had zero tolerance for any act of infractions by licensed operators in the oil and gas industry. He said that the agency was committed to creating an enabling environment for business to strive.

“We are aware of the trial moment in our economy, and we know few of those companies that are operating in downstream that are adding value. We will also collaborate to ensure conducive environment to operate in. The department will not tolerate any act of infractions from any marketers.

This should serve as warning to all marketers that henceforth, the department would not hesitate to impose any sanction on any defaulting marketers. We are willing to guide and collaborate to make sure we deliver product in a safe manner to members of the public,’’ he said.

He said in Lagos alone, there were over 1,500 filling stations that were legal, noting that “there is an extent to monitoring that could be done every day. He warned that the department would not hesitate clamp down any erring marketers who guilty of committing any infractions.

“The department will always ensure that such stations sealed can only be opened when they have complied with DPR’s regulations”, he said.