Fuel queues grow longer after FG sufficiency claim

The lines for Premium Motor Spirit, also known as petrol, grew longer on Thursday following the Federal Government’s announcement that there was enough PMS in Nigeria to last 34 days.Information Guide Nigeria

On Wednesday, the administration broke its several-week silence on the country’s continuing fuel scarcity, claiming that it has enough product to keep the country wet for more than a month.

Despite its promises, lines for fuel at filling stations in Abuja, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, and other states became longer on Thursday, as thousands of motorists flocked to the few outlets that sold the product.

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Hundreds of motorists formed huge lines to buy petrol at the Conoil and Total filling stations just opposite the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited headquarters in Abuja.

“I read in the papers that there is enough petrol that will last for more than 30 days, but, surprisingly, we are still seeing queues because many filling stations are not selling. So where are the products, please?” a motorist, who simply gave his name as Daniel, stated.

The government, through the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, stated on Wednesday that it has no plans to raise the price of gasoline at the pump, dismissing statements about PMS prices and availability as speculative.NYSC portal

It also noted that there was enough PMS to last for more than a month and recommended motorists to avoid rush buying.

The NMDPRA had said, “This advisory addresses speculations on the price and availability of Premium Motor Spirit. The authority wishes to inform the general public that the Federal Government has no intention of increasing the price of PMS during this period.JAMB portal

“The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited has imported PMS with current stock levels sufficient for 34 days.

“Consequently, marketers and the general public are advised to avoid panic buying, diversion of products, and hoarding. In keeping with the authority’s responsibilities as outlined in the Petroleum Industry Act, the authority assures the public that it would continue to monitor the supply and distribution of all petroleum products nationwide especially during this holiday season.”

When contacted, Billy Gillis-Harry, President of the Petroleum Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria, told our correspondent that the fuel supply situation had yet to stabilize.

He did, however, add that marketers were stepping up their efforts to clear the lines, and that the government, through the NNPC, should guarantee that dealers had appropriate access to PMS across the country.

“I keep saying that what we need to deal with now is the issue of availability. We are intensifying efforts to clear the queues, but the major thing is for the product to be available,” Gillis-Harry stated.JAMB Result