The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPC Ltd., started its weekly activities with a resolve to quickly end the incessant queues at various filling stations in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja.
By this resolution, the company in collaboration with the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, NMDPRA, stepped up the supply of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, to the FCT from 70 to 140 trucks to combat the lingering fuel queues.
Speaking to newsmen during an inspection tour of filling stations in Abuja, NNPC’s Group Executive Director, Downstream, Yemi Adetunji, explained that there was enough petrol in the nation’s strategic reserve to last 32 days.
“We have 1.9billion litres of PMS that can last for 32 day. NNPC is making every effort to ensure energy security for the country.
“We have sorted out Lagos. We are working with all relevant stakeholders to bring the situation in Abuja under control; normalcy will be restored in the next few days.”
Speaking earlier, the CEO of the NMDPRA, Farouk Ahmed, said that the improvement in the supply of products from an average of 70 to 140 trucks was made possible by the Presidential approval of a ₦10 freight rate discount increase to petroleum products transporters as part of solutions to the fuel supply challenge.
He charged marketers to play by the rules as NMDPRA would not hesitate to sanction anyone found to be involved in underhand practices.
“We are doing everything to bring the situation to normal. We also want to state that there is no increase in the pump price of PMS, and any such sharp practice will be sanctioned accordingly by the Authority,” he said.
The tour of the filling stations was to monitor developments and ensure compliance.
