The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Ilorin has warned filling stations to desist from hoarding petrol.

The Kwara commandant of the NSCDC, Makinde Ayinla, gave the warning on Wednesday at a news conference.

Mr Ayinla said the corps had made efforts to checkmate the practices of the fuel stations, who were selling fuel above the recommended pump price or hoarding it, and causing artificial scarcity.

“This is in line with the directive of NSCDC commandant-general Ahmed Abubakar Audi, that we should make sure that petroleum products are available to the people and at recommended pump prices,” he explained. “And also to checkmate the activities of the pipeline vandals, petroleum black marketers, those engaging in fuel adulteration and diversion, among others.”

He disclosed that the NSCDC task force led by the head of the anti-vandal unit of the command, Ayinde Yusuf, discovered that some filling stations had the petrol but refused to sell it.

Mr Yusuf also mentioned that some filling stations were selling petrol as high as N250 per litre, against the recommended price of N165 per litre.

He ordered those with the petrol but chose to hoard to start selling, adding that the team will ensure that the petrol stations empty their underground tanks before leaving their stations.

The NSCDC boss also disclosed that some culprits were caught selling petrol above the recommended pump price and were made to revert to the approved price of N165 per litre.

Mr Ayinla further stated that the head of the anti-vandal unit of the corps ordered owners and managers of the erring fuel stations to sign undertakings, not to engage in any sharp practices forthwith.

He disclosed that some black marketers were arrested and confiscated petrol concealed inside kegs.

(NAN)