In a developing crisis, long queues at petrol filling stations in Abuja, Nasarawa, and Niger States have been attributed to Conflicting Claims statements between oil marketers and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL). Oil marketers claim the scarcity is due to the insufficient supply of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) by NNPCL, the sole importer of the product. However, the NNPCL refutes these claims, asserting that the queues are a result of a “price war” in the affected areas, particularly in Abuja.
Despite assurances from the NNPCL that there would be ample supply during the Christmas period, the National Public Relations Officer of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, Chief Ukadike Chinedu, highlighted the ongoing challenges and Conflicting Claims. According to Chinedu, the scarcity has led to profiteering among marketers, with long queues persisting in various regions.
Ukadike explained that promised deliveries of PMS vessels to ports in Warri, Lagos, and Calabar had not materialized, contributing to the current situation. The shortage has prompted private depot owners to raise their product prices, resulting in higher pump prices at retail outlets. The IPMAN official emphasized the need for timely vessel arrivals to meet the growing demand, especially as the festive season approaches.
In response, the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPCL, Olufemi Soneye, dismissed the oil marketers’ claims, attributing the situation to a “price war” in a competitive market. Soneye pointed out that NNPC retail prices in Abuja were at N613/litre, while other marketers ranged from N625 to N650/litre.
Despite the conflicting statements, fuel scarcity persists, with motorists facing long queues not only at NNPC stations but also at Conoil and Total filling stations across the capital city and its neighboring states. The situation raises concerns about the potential impact on consumers and businesses as the festive season approaches. The conflicting narratives between oil marketers and NNPCL further highlight the need for a coordinated effort to address the root causes of the fuel shortage and ensure a steady and affordable supply of PMS.
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