The Department of Petroleum Resources has denied extorting the Independent Marketers Association of Nigeria over requests for daily stock records.
In a statement, on Monday, signed by its Head of Public Affairs, Paul Osu, DPR clarified that the request for daily stock of products supplied was a statutory regulatory requirement for any retail outlet licence-holder, which comes at no cost.
It said, “Our attention has been drawn to a misunderstanding over the request for daily stock records by DPR.
“This development follows an online publication on allegations of extortion against the DPR by IPMAN, Suleja/Abuja branch, on the stock request.”
According to the regulatory agency, the daily stock report enables it to provide accurate petroleum products consumption data for the country.
“This regulatory oversight is at no cost to the retail outlets,’’ DPR added.
According to the agency, the report, which is also applicable to petroleum products depots, also enables it to provide guidance to investors in line with its role as a business enabler and opportunity house for the oil and gas industry.
“The department wishes to inform all marketers that all applications and applicable statutory fees for retail outlet operations have been migrated online (www.dpr.gov.ng) in furtherance of the Federal Government’s Ease of Doing Business policy.
“It charges all marketers to report any noticeable infraction or perceived illegality by our officers, as we will continue to engage all our stakeholders in ensuring energy security for Nigerians,’’ DPR added.
