A sum of N2million fine is to be imposed on any filling station in Kwara State found to be hoarding, cheating and indulging in other sharp practices. The station, apart from paying the fine, would also be suspended for two months, thus halting its operation for the period.

Operation Controller, Department of Petroleum Resources in the state, Mr Salvation Philip, dropped the hint yesterday when he led a team on census of petrol stations in the state.

The warning came on the heels of lingering fuel crisis in Ilorin, which had since manifested in the state's economy. Few stations with the commodity witnessed crowded vehicles and motorcycles struggling to buy.

Philip said the measure would not only send warning signal but also serve as deterrence to others believed to be perpetrating the heinous act.

He said hoarding of fuel in the critical reality fuel shortages in the state was criminal and would be treated as such.

He stated that the affected station would not also be allowed to lift fuel in any depot in the country, as his office would formally communicate them on the embargo placed on the operation of the station.

The DPR boss noted that the department was disturbed by unwholesome activities of some stations in the state and effects on the masses.

During the census exercise, a petrol station along Ajase-Ipo road, Super moon Oil was discovered to be selling a litre of fuel for N120 contrary to the official price of N87.

The DPR boss directed immediate return to the approved price and warned that the agency would not tolerate sabotage.

However, fuel worth 3200 litres was uncovered in the stock of Hawstom petrol station along Ajase-Ipo road when the team stormed the station, although the manager claimed the fuel was reserved for the use of director of the station. The DPR boss described the action as a clear case of hoarding, warning that the agency may impose N2million fine on the erring station.

"Hoarding in this critical time is criminal and we would treat it as such. I don't think it is a good thing to keep fuel for personal use while members of the public it meant to serve were denied.

"From now, this act of sabotage would be meted with full wrath of the law to serve as deterrent. The station found wanting will pay N2million fine and would be suspended for two months.

"Concerning our outing, we started the census of the filling stations in the state to ensure that they comply with the laid down rules and regulations of the oil and gas sector", Philip said.