FG Targets Illegal Fuel Trade, Shuts Down Stations, Imposes Fines Amid Rising Petrol Prices – Independent Newspaper Nigeria

The Nigerian government has intensified its efforts to tackle the illegal fuel trade by sealing several filling stations and fining three marketers accused of distributing stolen petrol.

This action was carried out by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), following a successful operation by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in August.

During the operation, named “Operation Whirlwind,” the NCS intercepted 466,000 litres of petrol, seized 23 vehicles, and arrested seven suspects. The operation was aimed at curbing fuel smuggling, particularly in states near Nigeria’s borders.

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The seized petrol trucks and retail outlets involved in the illegal trade were handed over to the NMDPRA for further investigation and penalties. As a result, fines were imposed on three marketers involved in distributing the stolen fuel.

This crackdown comes amid rising petrol prices across the country, with prices reported to range from ₦950 to ₦1,019 per litre in the northern regions, according to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

Petroleum marketers have expressed concerns about the high prices, calling for a review of costs from the Dangote Refinery, arguing that locally refined fuel should not be priced higher than imported products.