Ebonyi govt seals three petrol stations over alleged fraudulent practices

The Ebonyi State government has closed three fuel stations in the state over alleged fraudulent practices.

The fuel station located in Abakaliki was accused of meter adjustment and other related violations.

The affected fuel stations are Edde Mass, R&C and Dozi Oil and Gas.

Special Assistant to the Governor on Petroleum, Nwafor Nnaemeka, announced the closure while speaking to journalists on Thursday in Abakaliki.

He warned that more retail stations would face similar action as part of efforts to ensure accountability in the state’s oil sector.

He said: “The state government will continue to close down all fuel stations that fail to meet the needs of the people,” Nnaemeka said, urging oil traders in the 13 Local Government Areas of the state to shun fraudulent practices in the supply and distribution of fuel.

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“The fuel price hike is a global issue. Currently, the fuel price hike from the depot to the petrol station owners, due to the shortage of the product, is affecting Ebonyi State as it is elsewhere in the country.

“We are working hard to prevent shortages at gas stations. We have received reports of fraudsters taking advantage of the shortage, prompting us to deploy a task force to closely monitor all gas stations.”
The governor’s aide also denied claims that fake task force agents extorted money from fuel traders.

“The accusation that the government is not monitoring the activities of gas stations is wrong. The closure of the three gas stations is proof of our commitment to address fraudulent practices.

“We will use these cases as examples and take full legal action against those involved in defrauding the public,” he added.

The post Ebonyi Govt closes three petrol stations over alleged fraudulent practices first appeared on Latest Nigeria News | Headlines from Ripples Nigeria.