President of Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association (PETROAN) Billy Gillis-Harry, has revealed that the recent fuel scarcity in Nigeria is due to a shortage of Premium Motor Spirit (Petrol) supplied by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
In an interview with Daily Post on Saturday, Gillis-Harry detailed the re-emergence of fuel queues in Abuja, Nasarawa, and other states.
He noted that the scarcity is primarily because NNPCL has not provided enough petrol.
Reports on Friday showed long queues at NNPCL retail stations on Kubwa Expressway and Ranoil in Gwarimpa. By Saturday morning, many stations on Kubwa Expressway, Lugbe, and Airport Road had run out of fuel.
Gillis-Harry visited several filling stations in Abuja and found none with fuel.
He mentioned that fuel marketers, who do not import petrol themselves, must sell at prices determined by their purchase costs, which has contributed to the scarcity.
“Yesterday (Friday), I went to over fifteen filling stations in Abuja, including NNPCL outlets, and there was no petrol. If prices rise, it’s because of the cost at which we buy the product. We don’t have petrol, and that’s why there’s a scarcity. We can’t set prices because we don’t import; NNPCL is the sole importer,” Gillis-Harry said.
Addressing the potential impact of the upcoming supply from the Dangote refinery in mid-July 2024, Gillis-Harry pointed out that the refinery has yet to deliver any petrol or diesel.
He stressed the importance of NNPCL continuing its import activities to ensure sufficient fuel supply.
“NNPCL can’t stop its imports just because Dangote refinery’s supply is expected soon. Nigerians need PMS daily, and Dangote hasn’t produced any PMS yet. The problem lies with NNPCL’s supply issues.
“NNPCL operates only a few filling stations, while PETROAN and other stakeholders manage numerous stations across the country. Keeping all major stakeholders informed and involved is crucial to avoid such shortages,” he added.
