As part of efforts to curb artificial scarcity and fake products, the Rivers State Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources has floated a Geographical Positioning System (GPS) application to regulate petroleum distribution.
Commissioner for Energy and Natural Resources, Dr. Peter Medee made the revelation when he spoke in a live radio programme “Viewpoint” monitored in Port Harcourt.
Medee disclosed that the software was meticulously planned and approved by the State Executive Council, stating that the fight against illegally refined petroleum products was multi-faceted as a way to check the menace.
Explaining how the application works, Medee stated that each petroleum tanker or distributor was expected to have the GPS installed in their vehicles to monitor product delivery and distribution.
He said, “Once your vehicle is loaded, the application tracks your movement, and when the product is received. Your destination is very key because you cannot discharge anywhere unless you get to the actual point of where you are registered to do so.”
Medee further explained that the application also helps to track fake petroleum products, especially those known as “kpofire” because they were easily detected when one was not registered.
Decrying the haulage of products outside Nigeria, Medee stated that most of the tankers which load in Rivers State take the products outside the shores of the country, thereby creating artificial scarcity.
He blamed product diversion as a major cause of petrol scarcity and hoarding across the country.
Medee solicited for the support of the Federal Government and other stakeholders in the sector to make the application succeed, while pointing out that Rivers State Government was ready to synergise with partners in the sector to strengthen the system.
