Kaduna Bans Sale of Petrol in Jerrycans

John Shiklam in Kaduna
Following the indiscriminate sale of petrol in jerry cans, the  Kaduna State Government has placed a ban on the business which has become rampant following the scarcity of petroleum products.

The government in a statement by the the Special Assistant to  Governor Nasir el-Rufai on Media and Publicity, Mr. Samuel Aruwan, said the decision was taken at state security council meeting presided by the governor.

The statement  said security agencies had been directed to arrest and prosecute  anyone found violating the ban as well  outright confiscation of any petroleum products found in their possession.

“Noting the difficulties imposed by the current petrol scarcity, the council appealed to citizens to remain patient and assured the public that the state government is working with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and other agencies to reduce the hardship associated with the shortages of petroleum products.

“Council also observed that the unsafe handling of petroleum products during periods like this has been associated with fires, destruction and fatal consequences for innocent victims,” the statement said.

It warned those engaging in sabotage and illegal sale of petroleum products in the state to desist with immediate effect or face the wrath of the law.

The statement further urged  residents to help uphold and enforce the Kaduna State Petroleum Products (Anti-Hoarding and Adulteration) Law of 1992, which  empowers a task force to ensure that petrol is sold in a safe manner, and imposes a financial penalty on violators.

The ban is coming at a time when many young people had taken to the brisk business of selling petrol in jerrycans following the biting effect of the scarcity of the product.
Investigations also showed that the few filling stations that have the product, preferred to sell it to people carrying jerry cans than motorists.