THE Jigawa State Taskforce on Petroleum Products Monitoring and Distribution has vowed to sanction any filling station found manipulating fuel dispensers or hoarding petroleum products in the state.
Chairman of the Taskforce, Colonel Muhammad Alhassan (rtd), issued the stern warning during an inspection tour of fuel stations in Dutse and its environs over the weekend.
According to a statement received by News Point Nigeria from Sabo Abdullahi Guri on behalf of the Chairman, Colonel Alhassan expressed dismay over reports that some marketers were allegedly adjusting their pumps to cheat unsuspecting motorists and other fuel buyers.
“We have resolved to take decisive action against any filling station discovered to be manipulating their fuel dispensers to short-change customers,” the chairman declared.
“This administration will not tolerate any form of exploitation or sabotage in the distribution and sale of petroleum products across Jigawa State.”
Colonel Alhassan also disclosed that beyond inspecting dispenser gauges, the taskforce was closely monitoring the activities of product hoarders and fuel diverters, describing such conduct as economic sabotage that worsens fuel scarcity and public hardship.
“Aside from examining the liter gauges, our team is equally checkmating the activities of those hoarding or diverting petroleum products,” he said. “Stringent action will also be taken against anyone found culpable.”
During the inspection, Colonel Alhassan directed members of the taskforce to use fuel gauge sticks to confirm the actual quantities of fuel in underground tanks at stations not dispensing products.
He said the aim was to verify claims of stock depletion and ensure that some marketers were not deliberately hoarding supplies to create artificial scarcity or inflate pump prices.
The chairman assured residents that the taskforce would not relent in ensuring seamless supply and sales of petroleum products across all parts of Jigawa State.
He added that the committee was committed to ensuring accurate meter calibration and compliance with best industry practices for the benefit of the general public.
“Our mandate is clear to protect the people of Jigawa from exploitation and ensure that every litre paid for is accurately dispensed,” he affirmed.
“We will continue to work with regulatory agencies and security operatives to sustain transparency and fairness in the petroleum distribution system.”
Colonel Alhassan commended filling station operators who have been conducting their businesses within the confines of the law, urging others to emulate such professionalism.