By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo
The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Resources Authority (NMDPRA), has begun a clamp down on illegal LPG retail outlets in the State.
Barr. Ikechukwu Eseka, the Coordinator of NMDPRA stated this when the State Commandant of Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) paid them a courtesy call in their office on Thursday in Eket.
Eseka said this was necessary because of the volatile nature of gas and the attendant risks in it’s proliferation.
“We have started enforcement of LPG retailers that embark on illegal decanting of LPG, filling stations, LPG Refilling plants and other downstream operations in the state.
“We are currently working on the illegal proliferation of decanting of LPG in the state, gas is very volatile, some of them are using gas that is not meant for the purpose.” The Cordinator said.
He warned gas plants owners against loading gas to outlets without NMDPRA licence and reminded them that decanting of gas from cylinder to cylinder is an illegal activity which is punishable, calling on marketers to register/renew their licenses before operating LPG in the state.
“We used the opportunity to talk on the aspects of the downstream which has to do with our enforcement, sealing of filling stations and those who are using diesel for industrial purposes that are yet to register with NMDPRA.
“We have also commenced engagement with individuals and organisations using storage tanks that are over 500 litres, to come and register with the Authority in the state.” He said.
Earlier, Hussaini, said the purpose of coming was to collaborate with NMDPRA on how to checkmate indiscriminate decanting of LPG in the state.
“I know with the present situation in the country, alot of them are going to cry and you have to use human face to handle their cases so that we don’t injure the government and the public themselves.” The commandant said.
He regretted that some people use their houses to sell cooking gas which can cause environmental hazard to the public.
