The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has raised alarm over the presence of adulterated Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), commonly known as diesel.

Chinedu Anyaso, Chairman of IPMAN, Enugu depot, in charge of Anambra, Ebonyi and Enugu states, said this in Awka on Sunday.

Mr Anyaso said the leadership of IPMAN had received reports of damaged vehicles and industrial machines from members of the public as a result of suspected adulterated AGO.

He said the association had set up a taskforce to unravel the syndicate responsible for the distribution of the unwholesome product in the zone.

Mr Anyaso said faking and distribution of petroleum products was not just a double jeopardy for the customer but an economic sabotage which should be discouraged by all.

“IPMAN wants to alert members of the public, especially those buying Automotive Gas Oil or diesel, to be cautious when buying the product because, there is a report of low density quality in circulation.

“We have received reports of possible fake products in circulation which have affected vehicles and machines negatively, so we are advising that they be more careful.

“On our part as an association, we have already set up a taskforce to monitor the situation and find out those who are responsible for sourcing and distributing the product across the zone,” he said.

Mr Anyaso urged marketers, especially those not buying from depots, to ensure that the products they are procuring are genuine as ignorance would not excuse anybody found wanting.

He said IPMAN would work with the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority and relevant security agencies towards stamping the unwholesome product out of circulation.

(NAN)