Chief Timipre Sylva, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, has assured the Federal Government would conduct an in-depth investigation into the circumstances surrounding the circulation of adulterated petrol also known as the premium motor spirit (PMS) in the country.
Petrol diluted with methanol has been circulated in the country, giving motorists across the country concerns, even as many of them have lamented the damaging effects of the adulterated product on the engines of their vehicles.
The Minister was answering questions from State House Correspondents after the week’s virtual Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, said steps were already being taken to resolve the situation.
According to the Minister, he had met with President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday over the situation, confirming there are issues needing attention and that appropriate steps are already being taken to sort out the crisis.
Asked if the culprits behind the importation of the dangerous fuel had been identified or if there would be any punishment for them when identified, Sylva said: “The issue did not come up in Council, but of course, you will recall I was here yesterday to brief Mr. President on the issue. I’m not in a position to disclose the identities of the companies, but there are some issues and we are actively tackling it.
“Nobody has, before now, checked for methanol in our fuel, it’s not very usual and this is the first time this is happening and NNPC is very much up to the task.
“I will also convey your question to NNPC and maybe the Midstream and Downstream Regulatory Authority but we’re actively handling it and I want to assure you that the problem will be a thing of the past very soon,” he said.
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