The Federal Government of Nigeria has issued a stern warning to oil marketers amid ongoing fuel scarcity affecting several states, particularly in the North.
The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has threatened to revoke the licenses of filling stations found guilty of hoarding petrol and selling it to black marketers in jerrycans.
The scarcity has been notably severe in Abuja, Niger, Nasarawa and Kaduna, leading to many stations closing due to a lack of supply. This situation has caused significant inconvenience for motorists and residents alike.
Ogbugo Ukoha, the Executive Director of Distribution Systems, Storage and Retailing Infrastructure at NMDPRA, emphasized the gravity of the situation during an inspection tour in Abuja. Ukoha warned a station manager, “You need to take this [warning] very seriously. If you need security reinforcements, speak to your management.”
The NMDPRA has also declared a crackdown on the illegal sale of petroleum products. On its X handle, the agency stated, “NMDPRA embarks on a war against the illegal sale of petroleum products, especially PMS in jerrycans. Filling stations are advised to desist from servicing illegal peddlers; failure to do so would result in the suspension of retail licenses.”
The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) has attributed the fuel scarcity to delays in vessel discharge operations and adverse weather conditions. Olufemi Soneye, NNPCL spokesperson, explained, “The tightness in fuel supply and distribution witnessed in some parts of Lagos and the FCT is a result of a hitch in the discharge operations of a couple of vessels.” He assured that the company is working around the clock with all stakeholders to resolve the situation and restore normalcy.
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