In order trace sources of adulterated kerosene in the state The Akwa Ibom Petroleum Products Monitoring Committee says it will develop a database for all kerosene surface tank dealers.
Senior Special Assistant to the state governor on Petroleum Matters, Obong Essien Esema, made the disclosure on Monday in Uyo at a sensitization meeting of stakeholders on Kerosene fire incidents.
Esema, who is the chairman of the committee, explained that accreditation of surface tank dealers would help identify sources of contaminated products in cases of explosion.
“In areas where there are reported cases of kerosene adulteration or explosion in the state, we will ensure that the sale of kerosene is stopped immediately.
“We will ensure that all petroleum storage tanks, receptacles and transporting trucks are properly colour-coded,” Esema said.
While directing the surface tank dealers to paint their receptacles blue with white stripes in the middle of the tanks to indicate that they were kerosene dealers, government warned that non-compliance with the colour code would result in prosecution of offenders.
He however, lamented that in the last one year, 48 cases of kerosene explosions were reported in the state, announced that surface tank dealers would also be made to undergo mentoring programme.
Esema further explained that the process would expose the surface tank dealers to some safety measures required to make the products usage safe.
“It is advisable to fill a kerosene lantern and stove outdoors using a fill spout. Kerosene should be stored away from the home and any heat or ignition sources,” Esema said.
Speaking on behalf of the surface tank dealers, Mrs. Lucy Eyo, thanked the committee for organising the stakeholders meeting.
Eyo said that the dealers were ready to cooperate with the state government to curb incessant kerosene explosion in the state.
She pledged that the dealers would comply with all the safety measures put in place by the government and appealed for regular supply of kerosene through authorised sources.
