SEQUEL to the protracted scarcity and hike in prices of petroleum products in Plateau State, Governor Simon Lalong has approved a task force to monitor the situation and restore order.

A statement by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Danladi Atu, indicates that the task force is expected to monitor the distribution and pricing of the commodity by ensuring that marketers comply with the approved pricing template and availability of the product, particularly at Yuletide.

Also, the Director of Press and Public Affairs, Dr. Makut Macham, said the task force would ensure that petroleum products meant for the state were not diverted.

The task force, to be chaired by the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, has also been mandated to apprehend violators and ensure that they are punished according to extant laws. Solomon Mwadkon is the secretary, while Mohammad Suleiman Kutigi is a member.

Its membership comprise Commissioner for Science and Technology, Commissioner for Environment, Commissioner for Urban Development as well as representatives of Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and independent marketers of petroleum products.