Our Task Force Not Out To Intimidate IPMAN Members, Ogun Replies Marketers

Ogun State government, on Thursday, clarified that establishing the Task Force in the petroleum sector was a step to curb sharp practices discovered among independent petroleum marketers across the state, as against allegations of intimidation and harassment.

This is just as the state government appealed for an open dialogue between it and members of the state’s chapter of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) in such a way that would lead to a mutually agreeable solution that addresses the concerns of marketers and at the same time, prioritises the welfare of the public.

The state Commissioner for Transportation, Engr. Olugbenga Dairo stated these while responding to allegations of intimidation and harassment levelled against the state Task Force by the state chapter of IPMAN.

Dairo explained that the Task Force was established ab initio in response to the public outcry over fuel pricing malpractices, stressing that the principal aim is to regulate the trend and ensure fair practices within the petroleum sector.

The Ogun Transportation Commissioner disclosed that the Task Force, in the course of its duties, caught up with five IPMAN members in the Abeokuta South, Ilaro in the Yewa South, Aiyetoro in the Yewa North, Ogijo, and Lusada in the Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Areas of the state, where unsuspecting customers are being short-changed between 0. 62 and 1 litre in every purchase made from them.

Dairo listed the five affected petroleum marketers as Bugatee Filling Station, Idi-Aba; MRS Filling Station, Afariogun Close, Ilaro; AWO Filling Station, Aiyetoro; another MRS Filling Station in Ijebu Ode; MosBolarinde Concept Sotubo, Ogijo; and the Petrocam Gas and Fuel Station, Lusada.