In a bid to further its palliative measures to cushion the effect of the on-going deregulation of the downstream sector on Deltans, Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan has launched the “Kerosene Direct Sale” in Asaba with a warning to officials in charge not to sell above N50 per litre or engage in any form of sharp practices.

Uduaghan, who made bold to sell kerosene to Deltans at N50 per litre, explained that the present exercise was to reduce the hardship consumers go through in buying the product which presently sell at N130 per litre.

He however warned that anybody caught cheating would be dealt with decisively, noting that availability of the product could reduce the usage of firewood which has negative impact on the environment as its use depletes the ecosystem of communities and bring about deforestation.

“This product is for consumption and not for people to buy and go and resell at exorbitant price. Let us help ourselves and be orderly so that everybody would buy without stress”.

He disclosed that the state government bought seven trucks for the exercise promising that once the present consignment is exhausted, more would be brought to the state so that there would be no scarcity.

While charging government officials co-ordinating the exercise to be meticulous, he promised to continue to make the product available at all times, adding that they should not to sell more than 20 litres to an individual buyer since the scheme would be spread to other parts of the state.

“This Kerosene Direct Sale will be extended to other communities in the state so that more people will benefit from the exercise”.

The highlight of the ceremony was when the governor lunched the exercise and started sale with an elderly woman who about 90 years.

Filled with compassion and respect for the elderly woman, the governor paid for the twenty litres of kerosene which she bought and thereafter charged all those on queue to emulate her peaceful disposition and orderly nature.