A three months window has been given to owners of petroleum products retailing outlets in Lagos Zone to renew and regularise their operating licences.

The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) confirmed the development on Wednesday through its Zonal Operations Controller in Lagos, Ayorinde Cardoso.

The DPR taskforce team had, during a two-day surveillance exercise, shut down a total of 140 filling stations and 27 gas plants for operating without valid licences.

However, Mr Cardoso said the DPR decided to permit the owners of the petroleum products retail outlets to reopen for business following interventions by industry stakeholders.

He said the regulatory agency had met with the representatives of the Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN) and the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) over the issue.

“The affected operators have been given a three months window for the renewal or regularisation of their operating licences within the zone.

“This is in line with the department’s drive of being a business enabler and opportunity house,” Mr Cardoso said.

He added that the DPR would continue to ensure safety in the selling and distribution of petroleum products to reduce incidents of explosion in the state.