The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) has lifted sanctions placed on Petrocam Trading Nigeria Limited, a downstream marketing company, for violating the agency’s rules and regulations.
This is coming after Petrocam’s operation nationwide was suspended for 10 days.
The Acting Director of DPR, Ahmed Shakur, said Petrocam committed an infraction against DPR in one of its gas plants in Ayobo, a suburb in Lagos State.
According to him, the DPR had a case with Petrocam Trading Nigeria Limited and it sealed its over 89 retail outlets nationwide.
Shakur said DPR’s surveillance team found Petrocam operating a big gas plant, a facility that was sealed twice for committing an infraction. Unfortunately, the company went against the rules of the agency and unsealed the facility without approval.
He said: “Unfortunately, the company went against the rules of the agency and unsealed the facility. The team also went back to seal the facility for the second time. However, the company had the audacity to remove our seal. So, on that basis, the agency had no option than to impose some sanctions and these affected all its retail outlets nationwide.
“We stopped supply of petroleum products to the company. As at today, the company has complied with the rules of the DPR and it has shown remorse for its actions. Also, we have reviewed their position and decided to lift the suspension against the company.”
The DPR chief noted that DPR has zero tolerance for any act of infractions by licensed operators in the oil and gas industry, adding that the agency was committed to creating an enabling environment for business to strive.
“We are aware of the trial moment in our economy, and we know few of those companies that are operating in downstream that are adding value. We will also collaborate to ensure conducive environment to operate in.
“The department will not tolerate any act of infractions from marketers. This should serve as a warning to all that marketers that henceforth, the department would not hesitate to sanction on any defaulting marketer. We are willing to guide and collaborate to make sure we deliver products safely to the public,” Shakur added.
