DSS, oil marketers set to clear petrol queues in 48 hours

The Department of State Devices (DSS), at a meeting with oil marketers and other stakeholders have resolved to address the challenges of fuel scarcity and lingering queues at filling stations within 48 hours.

The Public Relations Officer of DSS, Dr Peter Afunanya said this on Thursday in Abuja while briefing newsmen at the end of a meeting with petroleum distribution stakeholders.

He said the meeting was attended by representative of the DSS, NNPC Limited, Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria, Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria and other stakeholders.

Afunanya said part of the resolutions reached was that the NNPC would provide fuel at normal and affordable official rate to all marketers.

He said the meeting also resolved that marketers who operate depot would work on a 24-hour basis to ensure adequate supply of fuel in the country.

According to him, it was also agreed that the DSS will ensure protection and provision of security to all marketers and their products across the country while moving oil products.

Afunanya said the DSS would take action against any filling station, marketer or oil stakeholder that reneged on the agreement reached at the meeting.

He said the meeting was called to address the challenges of fuel scarcity, adding that the DSS would not sit back and watch the current scarcity persist despite availability of the product.

The DSS spokesman said the lingering fuel scarcity could lead to economic sabotage and threat to national security, if not properly handled.

He said plans were concluded by the DSS to raid all fuel stations and quizz any marketer found hoarding petroleum products.