Yemisi Izuora
The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) in Kwara, has warned against the practice of blending lubricants in the state.
The DPR Comptroller in the state, Mr Philip Salvation, gave this warning while addressing oil marketers in Ilorin.
The DPR in collaboration with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), had last week sealed three factories for engaging in illegal blending of lubricants in the state.
The affected factories were Segma Oil Limited Ogbondoroko in Asa Local Government Area, Manner Business Ventures and Wobles Venture in Offa Garage area of llorin.
Salvation said the DPR had the responsibility of regulating the downstream sector of oil and gas, in which lubricant retailers were included for involving in petroleum products.
“The procedures for licensing lubricants retailers in Nigeria is in accordance with the provisions of the Petroleum (Amendment) Decree No. 37. of 1977 Section 4(1).
“The law stipulates that no person shall import, sell and distribute any petroleum products in Nigeria without a license granted by the Director of Petroleum Resources”.
According to him, all applications for licences to retail lubricants shall be in the prescribed application form and forwarded to the Director of DPR or any of its offices nationwide.
Salvation said the requirement for retailing lubricants kiosk was that the kiosk must occupy a concreted land area not exceeding 30.48 metres.
“It has to be a well-ventilated area not in a cellar enclosure and must be at least 15 metres away from any possible source of naked flame.
“The kiosk colour shall be grey 60 per cent with the sponsors trade name and logo conspicuously displayed.
“A minimum of two fire extinguishers shall be provided and sand buckets shall also be provided’’.
The DPR official said a sales register must be maintained for records of retail transactions, adding that a sales receipt must be issued for every transaction.
“The maximum storage capacity at anytime shall not be more than 1000 litres of lubricants and there must be an arrangement for the collection of used containers and waste”.
Speaking on the sealed factories, Salvation said the factories’ products had been taken to undisclosed laboratory for test, after which, he said sanctions would be awarded appropriately.
He, however, urged marketers to be law-abiding, as DPR would be monitoring bad elements, who engaged in sharp practices in the oil sector across the country.