Fuel scarcity has once again gripped Abuja and its neighbouring states, including Nasarawa and Niger, as long queues persist at petrol filling stations, News About Nigeria gathered.
Conflicting claims between oil marketers and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) have emerged, with each side pointing fingers at the other for the scarcity.
Oil marketers argue that the primary cause of the fuel queues is the inadequate supply of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) by the NNPCL, which serves as the sole importer of the product.
According to Chief Ukadike Chinedu, the National Public Relations Officer of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), insufficient product supply is fostering profiteering among marketers.
He emphasises that if there were ample products, the acts of profiteering would decrease.
Ukadike reveals that despite assurances from NNPCL about the impending discharge of PMS vessels at various locations, including Warri, Lagos, and Calabar, the expected products have not arrived.
This delay has led to private depot owners increasing the cost of their products, resulting in higher pump prices at retail outlets.
The IPMAN official further notes that while NNPCL has promised sufficient products during the Christmas period, the company has not communicated the arrival dates of the expected PMS vessels to marketers.
Contrary to the oil marketers’ claims, NNPCL attributes the fuel queues to a ‘price war’.
Olufemi Soneye, the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPCL, contends that the situation is typical of a competitive market where motorists prefer queuing at filling stations with lower prices.
Despite these conflicting statements, the fuel scarcity situation persists, affecting not only NNPCL stations but also other outlets across Abuja and its neighbouring states.
The ongoing clash between oil marketers and NNPCL raises concerns about the effectiveness of measures to ensure a steady and affordable supply of petroleum products, especially as the festive season approaches.
