By: Felix Ikpotor
The Rivers State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development has expressed displeasure with owners of gas refilling and petrol stations who neglect the ministry and rely solely on approvals from the oil and gas industry regulators while sitting their stations.
Bipi, who spoke when the Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria, PETROAN, Rivers State chapter paid him a courtesy visit, emphasized that the Ministry’s approvals are fundamental and a crucial precursor to obtaining other necessary permits for investments in the retail chain of the downstream sector.
He emphasized the need for investors in the sector to prioritize comprehensive compliance to regulations and guidelines by obtaining all necessary approvals from the relevant authorities.
Bipi said such oversight can lead to severe consequences, including loss of life, environmental hazards, and legal repercussions.
The Commissioner further accused some petrol station owners of deviating from the original approved building plan issued to them by the ministry, stressing that it is unacceptable for a petrol station investor to obtain an approval for 4-pump petrol station, only to construct 6 or 8-pump petrol station and even add a gas refilling section to it without prior government approval.
While advising them to desist from unauthorized practices, and instead, genuinely seek comprehensive approvals from the ministry, Bipi said such practices have severe and far-reaching consequences including safety risks, environmental hazards, regulatory penalties, legal liabilities and economic losses.
Commenting on the Oroazi gas explosion in Port-Harcourt which occurred early this year, Bipi said his ministry is open to partnership with relevant stakeholders to properly regulate gas refilling or trans-filling businesses in the state, particularly in residential areas to prevent incidences of gas explosion and safeguard lives and property in the state.
On his part, the Rivers State Chairman of PETROAN, Francis Dimkpa, said the association is pained by the Oroazi gas explosion.
Dimkpa, while exonerating members of the association from the refilling of gas in residential areas, emphasized the enormous risks associated with such practices.
He noted that although the law does not prohibit the sale of gas cylinders and its accessories in residential areas, it does prohibit the refilling or trans-filling of gas in such locations, stressing that engaging in gas refilling in residential areas poses substantial dangers to individuals, businesses and communities.
The PETROAN Chairman further sought the support and partnership of the ministry to launch a comprehensive crackdown on gas refilling stores and shops in residential areas, adding that the collaborative effort aims to prevent potential disasters and ensure public safety.
Dimkpa, promised to ensure that its members comply with the lay down regulations and guidelines of the Ministry including obtaining its necessary approvals.
