Operational Controller of DPR Field Operation’s Office in Jalingo, Jeremiah Mashat, gave the warning in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN.

Maahat said that the department had directed its team to monitor compliance and sanction erring operators appropriately.

According to him, petrol must be sold at the official prices of between N162 and N165.

He, however, commended IPMAN in the state for cooperating with the DPR in the area of compliance to the regulations governing the downstream sector.

“We are insisting that marketers should not sell petroleum products above the approved pump prices.

“We have sent our team to the field to monitor compliance and ensure enforcement where there is violation.

“We must ensure that marketers comply with regulations and the public is not short-changed as far as petroleum downstream sector is concerned,’’ he said.

Controller, Ilorin field office of the DPR, Engineer Sule Yusuf said the affected filling stations were part of 35 filling stations monitored by officials of the agency across the metropolis.

Yusuf said “We observed that operators seem to be taking laws into their hands by selling over what government has allowed them to sell, especially, for Petrol. We’ve been going out to monitor before, and we’ll continue to do that. Today is just special because we’re out to monitor price, quality, quantity and pump efficiency. Two teams of the DPR officials went out this morning in different directions. We visited about 35 filling stations out of which two absconded and sealed. They know the consequences. About three stations were caught over-pricing. We’ve forced them to bring the price down to the allowable range and they’ve complied so that they don’t continue cheating the public. For now, there’s no increase in pump price, so they have to comply. If any station is selling above the window range of N162 and N165 per litre, people should inform the authority. We’ll visit those stations and force them to comply in addition to sanction. Operators are advised to play the game according to rules to avoid being sanctioned. Yes, they are out to make profits but not at the detriment of the majority of the public”

DPR, Head, Public Affairs, Mr Paul Osu, made this known in a statement issued on Wednesday in Lagos, NAN reports.

According to him, the LPG (cooking gas) plants were shutdown for non-compliance with international safety standards.

Osu further stated that the plants were operating without approval or licence from the regulatory agency.

“Some of the sealed plants were operating under high tension electrical installations and other unapproved locations.

“Also, the move was aimed at reducing the occurrence of gas explosion and fire incidents in the State.

“Moreso, we would like to notify the public that DPR would continue to clamp down on such illegal plants,” he said.

He advised that people should learn the need for safe usage and distribution of gas.

The Osun State’s DPR Operation Manager, Olusegun Daboh gave the warning in Osogbo, the state capital on Monday, while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN.

Daboh said using mobile phones in filling stations is dangerous because “petrol is highly inflammable’’.

He appealed to motorists to always turn off their car engines before refuelling.

He further warned that marketers operating filling stations with expired license, selling above the regulated pump price and under-dispensing would be sanctioned.

Daboh said any unwholesome practice by petroleum marketers should be reported to the DPR office for appropriate action.