The Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has clarified the reasons behind the recent resurgence of fuel scarcity in Abuja and Lagos State.
According to the NNPCL, the issue is not due to a lack of fuel availability but rather disruptions in the supply and distribution network.
In a statement released on Saturday by Olufemi Soneye, the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPCL, the company explained that the scarcity was caused by operational challenges with the discharge of several fuel vessels. While the exact timeline for resolving the shortage at filling stations was not provided, Soneye assured that efforts are underway to restore normalcy soon.
NNPCL has urged Nigerians to avoid panic buying, emphasizing that fuel supplies are sufficient for customers. The statement addressed the situation as follows: “The NNPC Ltd. wishes to state that the tightness in fuel supply and distribution witnessed in some parts of Lagos and the FCT is due to a hitch in the discharge operations of a couple of vessels. The company is working diligently with all stakeholders to resolve the issue and return to normal operations.”
Earlier in July, the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) attributed similar fuel shortages to poor road conditions and flooding affecting distribution in Abuja and other regions.