The Ondo State Government has cautioned fuel marketers against creating artificial scarcity by shutting down filling stations despite having petrol in stock.
The Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Johnson Jaiyeola Alabi, issued the warning on Saturday amid concerns that some marketers were deliberately halting fuel sales in parts of the state.
Alabi said the state government had received reports that certain filling stations were refusing to dispense petrol even when they had sufficient supply, a situation he described as capable of disrupting economic activities and causing unnecessary hardship for residents.
He clarified that the government does not object to marketers selling petrol at the prevailing market price but insisted that actions capable of triggering panic buying among motorists must be avoided.
According to the commissioner, withholding fuel from the market could lead to avoidable queues at filling stations, disrupt transportation and negatively affect businesses and commuters across the state.
Alabi therefore urged petroleum marketers to operate responsibly and ensure continuous sales of petrol to the public.
He warned that the government would not hesitate to take decisive action against any filling station found culpable of deliberately creating fuel scarcity.
“However, marketers must desist from creating artificial scarcity, which could trigger panic buying and disrupt economic activities across the state,” the commissioner said.
“Any filling station found culpable of this offence will be dealt with decisively in accordance with the law.”
The state government reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining stability in the distribution of petroleum products and ensuring that residents are not subjected to avoidable fuel shortages.
