The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) yesterday shut 20 petrol stations in Imo State for refusing to comply with the new fuel pump price of N87 per litre, as directed by the Minister of Petroleum last week.

Zonal Controller of DPR Innocent Akpamagbo, who led other officials of the agency to monitor the level of compliance by petroleum marketers in Owerri, the Imo State capital, sealed off 20 filling stations still selling at the old price of N97.

He said it became necessary to ensure that the marketers complied with the new pump price, threatening to revoke the licences of the shut petrol stations.

Akpamagbo said the excuse by most of the marketers that they were still selling their old stock was untenable, insisting that the agency would ensure that marketers complied with the new price.

He noted: “Whenever there is an increase in pump price, the marketers will immediately adjust their meters to reflect the new price. They will not wait to exhaust their old stock, as they are now claiming.

“So, in this case, they must adjust their pump prices as directed by the Ministry of Petroleum. This is why we are here to ensure compliance.”

Akpamagbo urged the public to report any station, which flouted the order, to the agency.
Source: http://e reporter.com.ng/index.php/national-news/item/2709-dpr-shuts-20-petrol-stations-in-imo