NNPCL blames vessel discharge delays for fuel scarcity

The Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Limited has blamed the ongoing petrol scarcity and long queues in filling stations in the country on a hitch in discharge operations of vessels delivering petrol to filling stations.

The spokesperson of NNPC, Olufemi Soneye, said that the hitch disrupted normal operations and promised that the company is working with other stakeholders to resolve the issues and restore normalcy.

He said: “The NNPC wishes to state that 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.

Speaking on the closure of retail outlets in parts of the country, the Secretary of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, Abuja-Suleja, Mohammed Shuaibu, said: “Some of them may not have products to dispense due to unavailability.

“However, many marketers are worried about the proposed protest and are already taking measures to prevent losses. Closing shops is one of such measures and this, of course, is going to cause queues in such locations because the number of stations selling petrol would be reduced.

Also, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, has called for calm.

He also urged Nigerians to avoid participating in the proposed protest.

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The minister in a statement issued in Abuja by his media aide, Nneamaka Okafor, pleaded with Nigerians to shelve the planned protest.

“We understand the frustrations and challenges faced by many Nigerians, but it is essential to approach these issues constructively. President Bola Tinubu is dedicated to revitalising our economy and bringing renewed hope through well-thought-out policies and programmes.”

“Now more than ever, we need to stand together and support the initiatives being put in place. Our collective efforts will pave the way for a more prosperous Nigeria.”