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The concession the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) granted
Oando Plc to sell both petrol and liquefied petroleum gas, otherwise
known as cooking gas, in its outlets is causing ripples in the
industry, as the National Association of LPG Marketers has petitioned
the National Assembly and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation
(NNPC) over the matter.
The association contended that the concession contradicted the
existing regulation, which forbids petrol outlets from selling both
products at the same retail centre. The petition, made available to
journalists in Abuja yesterday, was also copied to the NNPC, the Senate
President, David Mark, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dimeji
Bankole, and Oando Plc.
The association said there was need for it to bring the uneven playing
field to the attention of major stakeholders in the industry, stating
that not only could the act jeopardise the health of Nigerians but it
also shows that some of the firms are given preferential treatment. It
stated that it is the duty of the DPR and other appropriate authorities
to ensure that no retail outlet is allowed to sell both petrol and
domestic gas within the same premises.
Leonard Ebie, who is a consultant to the National Association of
Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers (NAPLGAM), alleged that "it is now
common practice by Oando Plc, particularly in Abuja and Kaduna, to
dispense these two very volatile products at their various petrol
stations."
The body added: "And while it may be of financial benefit to them as a
corporate institution, we are obliged to inform you that by the
existing rules of engagement in this oil and gas business we all
operate under, as regularly insisted upon by your officials/staff, no
individual or corporate body shall operate at the same venue/premise
the sale and or dispensing of these two products."
NAPLGAM queried why its members scattered all over the country were
regularly directed to uphold the law while Oando was allowed to flout
it in the FCT. It added: "The obvious fire consequences of the
combination of these two products are better imagined and the risk
factor that one petrol station brings to bear on the environment is
enormous, not speaking of when it is added with an LPG dispensing
plant."
However, it clarified that it would seek a solution through other
appropriate authorities, including civil court, for a legal
interpretation of the issue if it was not satisfied with the response
of DPR.
PetrolWorld 300909
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