The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) in Osun State has issued a warning to petroleum entrepreneurs in opposition to hoarding and all types of unlawful practices earlier than, throughout and after Christmas celebrations.

The company additionally warned residents within the state in opposition to panic shopping for and storing petroleum merchandise at house.

Kunle Adeyemo, the NMDPRA state coordinator, gave the warning whereas talking with journalists on Wednesday in Osogbo.

Mr Adeyemo stated that any marketer caught hoarding gas or partaking in an unlawful pump adjustment risked being sanctioned.

The NMDPRA boss additionally stated that the company’s officers would proceed to go around the state on monitoring and surveillance to sanction any marketer discovered culpable.

In line with him, NMDPRA within the state would intensify its monitoring and surveillance of retailers in keeping with its regulatory mandate to make sure compliance with high quality, amount and security of operations.

Mr Adeyemo warned motorists to shun panic shopping for and storing petroleum merchandise in or round residential areas to keep away from fireplace disasters.

The NMDPRA coordinator, who famous that the Federal Authorities had made obtainable enough petroleum merchandise that may final all through the festive season and past, stated there was no want for panic-buying or hoarding.

“Petroleum merchandise can be found in all of the depots across the nation. Entrepreneurs shouldn’t interact in diversion, under-dispensing, hoarding, adulteration and unsafe acts in petroleum shops. Any marketer or operator caught partaking in sharp practices will likely be sanctioned accordingly.

“Members of the general public must also desist from storing petroleum merchandise at houses as a result of such motion could cause a fireplace outbreak,” he stated.

Mr Adeyemo additionally appealed to residents within the state to patronise solely authorised and authorized gasoline services.