The Edo State Government announced that it is stepping up efforts to find long-term solutions to distribution challenges and price increases of petroleum products in the state, noting that the state has received 784,000 litres of fuel, which will be adequately monitored to ensure that the product is not diverted or sold to citizens at exorbitant prices.
Ethan Uzamere, the commissioner for mining and energy in Edo State, while briefing journalists in Benin City said that the government is forming a committee to address the state’s lack of petroleum products and rising prices.
He stated, “We have received 784,000 litres of PMS in Edo State, and we will continue to inform Edo people and citizens about how much we receive daily as the task force to be established will work with other stakeholders to inform the public about the filling stations that received products and how much each receives.
“The government has heard the cry of the people and is taking steps to ensure the availability of PMS. To ensure greater PMS and the safety of the filling stations, a task force will be established.
The Commissioner further reassured the people of the State that the names of members of the task force on monitoring of PMS would be made public before the end of Tuesday, January 31, 2023.
Crusoe Osagie, who serves as the governor of Edo State’s special adviser on media projects, said the committee will be made up of representatives from the media, the private sector, civil society organizations, the government, and marketers. They will travel throughout the State to monitor product pricing and distribution as well as to check the authority of distributors and marketers.
He declared, “The Government is committed to this exercise, and it will do everything in its power to protect the welfare and well-being of the people. We’re urging those who raise prices to stop right away because the Committee will identify them and the government will make sure they’re put on trial. The current administration’s top priority is the Edo people.