The Anambra State Commissioner for Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Anthony Ifeanya, has stated that the ministry is ready to begin closely watching gas stations throughout the state.
Ifeanya stated that the state government is starting the activity to catch any gas station that has tampered with their meters.
The commissioner said this in Awka on Saturday, warning those who tamper with meters to stop immediately or face the consequences.
The move follows numerous complaints of adjusted meters, contaminated fuel, and unscrupulous dealings by gas marketers lodged at the state petroleum ministry.
There is growing outrage in the state as the official pump price of petrol per litre has reached N970 in most gas stations, and in some places, customers pay even more.
During a visit to major cities across the state on Saturday, it was observed that most gas stations were not dispensing fuel, and those that were had long lines of motorists and other customers.
As a result, transportation fares have suddenly doubled, with commuters now paying N300 for a journey that they previously paid N200 for.
Most gas stations in Onitsha, Nnewi, Ekwulobia, Obosi, and some parts of Awka were found to be selling petrol above N970 per litre.
However, NNPCL facilities along the Awka-Enugu Road and in Onitsha were selling the product for between N820 and N850 per litre.
A customer at one of the NNPCL outlets in Onitsha, named Chukwudi, said, "The price of the product has been fluctuating recently. One day you buy it for N920, the next day it's N970.
"Despite the daily price increases, the meters have often been tampered with, resulting in the fuel quantity being less than expected, even when purchasing in a keg. Everything involving petrol is abnormal, and people feel helpless."
Concerned by the complaints at his office, the commissioner for petroleum, Anthony Ifeanya, described the acts as "cheating and inhumane," especially during this difficult time, and declared that such acts are unacceptable to the state government.
He outlined the hazards of contaminated petroleum products, including increased emissions of harmful gases, air pollution, and fires, which can lead to loss of life and property. The commissioner expressed disapproval of the "get-rich-quick attitude of some people, even when it involves significant loss of life and economic waste."
