Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa on Thursday expressed worried over the persistent scarcity and high cost of kerosene product in the Nigeria markets.
BusinessDay reports that the governor made the remark during the commissioning of an ultra-modern filling station owned by North- West Petroleum and Gas Company Limited in Asaba, Delta state capital.
He however advocated a concerted government efforts and actions towards ensuring regular supply and appropriate pricing of petroleum products across the states of the federation with a view to ease the suffering of the Nigeria masses.
‘’It is unacceptable that most Nigerians buy kerosene above the official pump prices, yet the product was not readily available. Any action which would ease the suffering of the masses would be welcomed especially in Delta State.
‘’Our people have been finding it very difficult to get kerosene at the appropriate prices so we are very much interested in its regular supply at the right pricing. It is our hope and prayer that the kerosene will never be out of stock and we thank God that we are going to get it at the official price at this ultra-modern filling station.
‘’It has been an unlikely thing in the past few months to have kerosene at the appropriate prices and I believe that this will lead to greater competition and also drive other filling stations to try to keep their prices at the price that has been stipulated by the authorities ‘’, he stated.
Okowa who commended the management of North-West Petroleum and Gas Company Limited for its interest in establishing in the state also urged the company to take advantage of the availability of crude oil and gas in the state to establish modular refineries.
He assured that his administration was ready to facilitate acquisition of land for such investment.
He opined that the refinery would improve employment opportunities, improve availability of petroleum products, reduce restiveness and ensure continuity and the constancy of crude oil production in the country.
Earlier in his welcome address, Olaolu Modashiru, a director in the company disclosed that the management was attracted to invest in the state because of its friendly environment conducive for investment.
He assured that the company has a reputation of having products at all time at the right prices.
