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Bolawale Abayomi Odunaike[1]

Abstract

Regular supplies of locally consumed petroleum products have become a peculiar problem characterised with incessant scarcity. Even when available, there are consumer’s scepticisms on the amount dispensed in currency against the volume in litres which has not been empirically proven except for some media reports. However, the study examined consumers’ experience by evaluating sharp practices among actors at dispensing arm of the distribution network during scarcity and normalcy periods. The study hinged on Actor Network and Anomie theories as its theoretical underpinning. Research design was descriptive which relied on qualitative research methods. A total of twenty-seven (27) In-depth interviews, five (5) key-informant interviews and six (6) sessions of Focus Group Discussions were conducted among purposively selected filling station employees, dispenser engineers and officials of the regulatory agency, and consumers (commercial drivers and private car owners) respectively across three purposively selected towns in Ogun state. Information gathered were transcribed, coded, and analysed using content analysis and thematic analysis facilitated by NVIVO (version 11). The study established that there were different forms of sharp practices ranging from organisational to individual depending on beneficiaries. Also, the practices were more prominent and high-flying in border areas irrespective of category of marketer.

Keywords: Sharp practices, scarcity, petroleum products, distribution networks, Anomie theory