Oil Marketers Express Concerns Over Potential Petrol Scarcity Amid Queues
Oil marketers have raised alarms over the possibility of petrol scarcity if the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) fails to adequately supply the product to depot owners and other dealers.
The fears were voiced amidst reports of long queues at filling stations across Lagos State since Monday, causing traffic congestion in several areas including Ikeja and along Ikorodu Road.
The situation extended to Total filling stations along the Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, contributing to traffic congestion around the Ikeja axis. Furthermore, many filling stations along the Ikeja axis through Obafemi Awolowo Road remained shut, and those along Ogunnusi Road inbound Berger did not sell petrol to customers.
Despite reassurances from the NNPCL spokesperson, Olufemi Soneye, regarding the availability of fuel, the queues persisted as of Tuesday evening. Marketers expressed confusion over the rationing of fuel by NNPCL to private depot owners despite claims of sufficient supply.
Surajudeen Bada, Chairman of the Oil and Gas Association in Ogun State, emphasized the need for transparency from the national oil company to address the insufficient fuel allocation to marketers. He highlighted the disparity between the quantities loaded by depots and the claimed stock levels by NNPCL.
Similarly, Hammed Fashola, National Vice President of IPMAN, expressed optimism that the queues would subside once truck loading resumes. However, he acknowledged the impact of the current distribution issue on IPMAN members.
As concerns mount over potential petrol scarcity, stakeholders await resolution from NNPCL to ensure adequate fuel supply and prevent further disruptions in the fuel distribution chain.
