The Controller of Operations, Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) in charge of Adamawa and Taraba, Mr Ali Zoka, said 28 filling stations were sealed off
for irregularities in the area.
Zoka, who made this known to newsmen in Yola, said the filling stations were sanctioned for violating the government official pump price.
“In the Month of August, after cross inspections by our Technical Operational team, a total of 28 filling stations in Adamawa and Taraba were found selling above N87.
“Those filling stations were slammed with a fine of N100, 000 with immediate effect in addition to being sealed off,” Zoka said.
He expressed regrets that the department also faulted about 50 filling stations in the two states for violating the rules and regulations guiding the operation of filling stations.
“But to my surprise, the owners of the disapproved filling stations returned with letters of waivers from influential people, directing the department to allow them continue with their illegal business.’’
Zoka identified lack of adequate staff as a major problem affecting the efficient service delivery of the department in the two states.
He said currently, the department had 18 people, including six technical staff.
According to him, the department has registered and approved 347 filling stations in Adamawa and 278 stations in Taraba.
He advised members of the public to cooperate with the department in ensuring that operators sell at the approved government price.
Tom Garba, Yola