Fuel Scarcity Hits 4 More States

ON Wednesday, April 24, a number of fuel stations in around four states closed up over scarcity of fuel, long lines formed at the few stations that were still selling.

Thousands of commuters were stuck at bus stations in the states of Nasarawa, Niger, Gombe, and Sokoto due to a lack of fuel. The scarcity of fuel that transporters needed to run their vechices prevented them from doing so.

The restricted number of transporters who had access to fuel increased their prices, resulting in an increase in transportation fares in the affected states.

It was reported that the shortage resulted from an inadequate supply of fuel to the capital of the Federal Capital and its neighboring states, which led to the closure of fuel stations in these regions.

On Thursday, oil marketers made known that they will be holding a meeting with the management of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited's retail division, NNPCL, to determine the reason for the scarcity and devise a plan of action to resolve it.

Due to their incapacity to function, there were long lines of cars at the few fuel stations that were open on Wednesday.

Chief John Kekeocha, National Secretary of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, stated, “It is evident that there is a shortfall of supplies in Abuja and other states that are adjacent to the Federal Capital Territory).

He further stated, “This is the reason why many filling stations in these areas are not selling petrol, which, of course, has led to the serious queues you see in the few ones that are dispensing the product. I cannot tell you the reason for this supply shortage now.

“But we are meeting with NNPC Regal tomorrow (Thursday), and this is going to form part of our discussions. The matter is being looked into right now, and we hope to find a solution to it during the meeting.”

Prior to this, Abubakar Maigandi, National President of IPMAN (Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria), declared that once the Dangote Petroleum Refinery begins supplying gasoline to the domestic market, long lines for gas would disappear in several states.

Regarding if the refinery had informed marketers of the start date for product production, Maigandi stated, “We don't know the time. But since he said he would start it, I know that he will do that.

“So we are still waiting and we know that once he starts releasing petrol to the domestic market, this issue of fuel scarcity and queues will become a thing of the past.”

Chief Ukadike Chinedu, the IPMAN National Public Relations Officer, backed him up on this point and said that he hoped the Port Harcourt Refining Company will begin producing refined petroleum products shortly.