As Nigerians grapple with yet another bout of fuel scarcity, petroleum marketers have pointed fingers at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, citing supply challenges as the root cause of the crisis.
The scarcity has led to long queues at filling stations across states, exacerbating the already challenging economic situation for many citizens.
Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief breakfast programme, Billy Gillis-Harry, National President of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN), highlighted the supply constraints from NNPC as a major factor contributing to the scarcity. He emphasized that while efforts have been made to address the issue, challenges persist, hindering the smooth distribution of petroleum products to retail outlets.
The scarcity has paralyzed economic activities in various states, with motorists enduring hours-long queues and inflated prices at filling stations. Black market vendors have taken advantage of the situation, selling petrol at exorbitant prices, further burdening consumers already grappling with the high cost of living.
Despite assurances from NNPC that logistics issues have been resolved and there is sufficient product in the country, the reality on the ground tells a different story.
Gillis-Harry reiterated that while NNPC may face internal logistics challenges, independent oil marketers are ready to serve the public once adequate supply is made available to them.
The scarcity comes amid ongoing discussions about the removal of petrol subsidy by President Bola Tinubu last May, resulting in a significant hike in pump prices.
The decision, aimed at deregulating the oil sector, has sparked protests and demands for improved living conditions from labor unions and citizens alike.
President Tinubu defended the move, stating that it was necessary to prevent the country from financial ruin.
As Nigerians endure the impact of fuel scarcity on their daily lives, the government faces mounting pressure to address the root causes of the crisis and provide lasting solutions to ensure stable and affordable access to petroleum products for all citizens.