As fuel scarcity lingers, NNPC begins distribution of one billion litres

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPC) says it has commenced the distribution of one billion litres of safe petrol to filling stations across the country.

Group Executive Director, Downstream of the NNPC, Mr Adetunji Adeyemi, disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja during a press briefing.

This is coming as fuel supply shortage has reached a critical point with endless queues at many retail outlets in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt and other cities. Thousands of commuters are stranded at bus stops. And many places only those who can afford to pay about N300 per litre are buying the product in the black market.

But Adeyemi said in order to ensure smooth distribution of the petrol nationwide, the NNPC had constituted a monitoring team with the support of the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Authority (NMDPRA) and other security agencies.

He also said over 2.3 billion litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) would arrive in the country by the end of this month.

He said the arrival of over 2.3 billion litres would restore the sufficiency level above the national target of 30 days.

Adeyemi explained that in order to accelerate PMS distribution across the country, the Company has commenced 24 hours operations at its Depots and Retail outlets.

“The NNPC Ltd understands the current fuel supply disruptions in many parts of the country, which was caused by the discovery and subsequent quarantine of methanol-blended cargoes of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly referred to as Petrol.

“To address the situation, over 2.3 Billion litres will arrive in the country between now and the end of February 2022. This will restore sufficiency level above the national target of 30 days,” he said.

He further disclosed that the Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN), Depot Owners & Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) and Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) have commenced 24 hours loading and dispensing activities in some of their designated outlets.

He said, “The NNPC has constituted a monitoring team, with the support of the Authority (NMDPRA) and other Security Agencies to ensure smooth distribution of PMS nationwide.

“The NNPC implores Nigerians to avoid panic buying and assures that the ongoing efforts will be sustained to restore normalcy in a few days’ time.”