BREAKING: Petrol shortage hits Abuja as product sells N500 per litre
By Eyo Nsima
There are indications that the nation might be in another round of petrol shortage as long queues have emerged in Abuja, Nigeria.
A survey of Abuja and its environs showed that the situation was driven by panic buying despite the assurances by the Nigerian National petroleum Corporation, NNPC that it would not increase its Ex-Depot price in May, 2021.
NNPC Group Managing Director Mallam Mele Kyari, who had closed door meeting with Petroleum Transport Drivers, PTD, National Association of Road Transporters Owners, NARTO, and oil marketers in Abuja on Monday, said: “We want to inform oil marketing companies that NNPC will not increase the pump price of PMS in May. I am giving the assurance and I ask Nigerians to go about their normal businesses; we have over 20 billion litres of petrol in our custody.
“Many of you are aware of this and with the assurance with tanker drivers and NUPENG, there is no need for panic buying of the product. Petrol will be available in all the depots in the country including NNPC dispatched depot across the country, so nobody should panic in buying the product.”
He had also said: “We have given a commitment to both NARTO and PTD that we will resolve the issue within a week and come back to the table to have a total closure on the issue.
“We also have a robust engagement with our oil marketing partners in respect of increase in the volume product that is check in the Nigerian market.
“We have agreed to work jointly with all the security agencies to contain any possible infractions seen in our borders. We will work as a team to curtail this fraudulent practice with the help of the security agencies.”
.Details coming soon.
