Date Published: 01/06/10

Rivers: PHCCIMA condemns perrenial fuel scarcity

...Calls for implementation of deregulation policy

The Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce industry Mines and Agriculture (PHACCIMA) rose from its technical and economic meeting under the chairmanship of its President, Engr. Vincent Adonye Kingston Furo to condemn the perennial scarcity of petroleum product in Rivers state.

In a communiqué made available to newsmen it reads that the development is posing a serious threat to the survival of transportation and other businesses considering that petroleum is the main stay of the economy.

To this end, the group suggested the need for relevant authorities to wake up to their responsibilities by making concerted efforts in ensuring that the incessant cases of diversion of petroleum product  is brought to an end. They advised that a more proactive measure should be put in place to tackle the disturbing trend.

The group condemned the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) saying they have failed the masses in its duties,  and suggested that government should explore other ways to bring about sanity in the petroleum sector to boost economic activities.

Speaking further the President advocated for a more effective team to monitor the loading of petroleum products from the depot to their place of dislodgment. He also called on the Rivers State Ministry of Energy and natural resources to be alive to their statutory duties in checking the activities of miscreant who indulge in the diversion of products meant for Rivers state.

On a final note the chamber appealed to NUPENG and PENGASSAN to evolve a more effective distribution system to ameliorate the sufferings of the people.

“Federal government should fast track and implement the deregulation policy, albeit after a due consultation with stakeholders in the industry” the communiqué reads.