Why petrol shortage worsens in Lagos, Ogun, others

There were signs over the weekend that the ongoing petrol shortage in Lagos, Ogun, and surroundings is being worsened by unlawful operations, particularly arbitrary pricing and diversion to unauthorised sites.

Our investigations revealed that certain independent oil marketers, who complained about the high cost of lifting the product at depots, created a method of transporting the product to wherever they may get a larger return, rather than filling stations.Information Guide Nigeria

According to Vanguard, due to the product’s scarcity and strong demand, certain firms and other corporate users are willing to pay extra, creating a compelling diversion for some marketers.

A reliable source in Apapa, Lagos, who pleaded anonymity, said: “These are abnormal times. Independent oil marketers lift the product at about N200 per litre at the private depots. They incur additional cost of using diesel to move it to their outlets in different parts of the nation before selling the product at between N210 and N240 per litre.NYSC portal

“They have another option of selling it at even higher prices to companies, including transporters, which need the product to enhance their operations.”

The inspections also revealed that many independent marketer stores were closed yesterday, while those that were open supplied gasoline for between N220 and N240 per litre, depending on location.

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However, many large marketers were observed selling the product for approximately N175 per litre, resulting in lengthy lines outside their gates as most drivers preferred to wait due to the substantial price difference.

A transporter who traveled from Lagos to Abuja stated that gasoline was available throughout the roads, but that costs increased from state to state until he reached Abuja.

The carrier, who requested anonymity, stated that he purchased gasoline at N250 per litre in Ogun, but refueled at N270 and N300 per litre en route to Abuja.

On the trip from Abuja to Lagos, he added, the product was available and the price continued to drop from approximately N300 per litre to N200 per litre.

He stated that some truckers who lacked sufficient gasoline were dissatisfied since the heavy traffic on the Lagos-Ogun long bridge caused them to run out of fuel, leaving them vulnerable to armed robbery and hoodlum attacks.

However, employees of the Nigerian Midstream, Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, NMDPRA, who are responsible for the technical and commercial regulation of midstream and downstream operations in Nigeria, were not present at the several stations inspected yesterday to enforce compliance.

Engineer Farouk Ahmed, Chief Executive Officer of NMDPRA, did not respond to Vanguard’s request for comment yesterday.

The Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria, MOMAN, announced over the weekend that it has begun working with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, to enhance the statewide distribution of gasoline.

The Chief Executive Officer of MOMAN, Mr. Clement Isong, said: “We are doing depot-to-depot check-in and check-out to enhance efficiency. We are also having logistic supply meetings with NNPCL. There is also collaboration among our members to cushion supply to various MOMAN stations.

“We arranged it in a way that any MOMAN member who does not have the product can pick from fellow members’ depot to minimise supply gaps. NNPCL had an operational meeting with MOMAN to ensure that products are effectively distributed across the country. The logistics meeting was to ensure adequate distribution of products to stations across the country.”

Kola Ologbondiyan, spokesman of the Atiku-Okowa Campaign Office, expressed sympathy for Nigerians in response to the return of fuel lines across the country. He added that Atiku Abubakar, his running mate, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, and the entire campaign organization felt the pains of Nigerians, who had been on the receiving end of APC’s mismanagement.

He said: “The Atiku/Okowa campaign, however, assures Nigerians of realistic solutions to the perennial challenges of providing fuel for Nigerians, a product which we should have in abundance.

“Atiku is prepared to block all leakages that have encouraged mismanagement and inconsistent delivery of fuel to Nigerians. Our candidate has been consistent on the need to liberalize the oil and gas sector by allowing private investors to engage actively in that sector, while his administration will provide the enabling environment that will allow businesses thrive.JAMB Result

“Atiku is the only candidate that has the political will to match words with action and restore the required efficiency needed to make the oil and gas sector perform transparently and optimally.

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