The Ogun State government has issued a strong warning to fuel dealers and filling station operators engaged in manipulating Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) prices, cautioning that such practices will lead to strict sanctions.
The government stated that any attempts to artificially inflate fuel prices would not be tolerated, as these actions increase the economic burden on residents.
Commissioner for Transportation, Dairo Olugbenga, delivered the warning during a joint monitoring exercise led by the Ministry of Transportation in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment, alongside the Directorate of State Security (DSS), Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE), Nigeria Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), and Ogun State Park.
The team conducted inspections across various filling stations statewide to ensure that citizens were not overcharged through inflated pump prices.
According to Dairo, the inspection revealed numerous irregularities perpetrated by some station managers and fuel dealers.
“The team detected inaccuracies in some filling stations at Ilisan, Iperu, Ososa, Ijebu-Ode, and parts of Abeokuta metropolis.
These stations were given a 24-hour ultimatum to make necessary adjustments and corrections,” he stated, stressing that any delay or failure to comply would prompt immediate government action.
Adding to Dairo’s statements, the Commissioner for Industry, Trade, and Investment, Adebola Sofela, affirmed the state government’s commitment to safeguarding residents from exploitative practices.
“We will not condone any act of manipulation in fuel pumps at the expense of the people,” Sofela emphasized, highlighting the importance of maintaining standard gauges and accurate measurements in fuel sales.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transportation, Adewuyi Adesoji, also applauded the administration’s commitment to citizen welfare, encouraging the monitoring team to remain vigilant in upholding the mandate of protecting citizens from economic exploitation.
