One month after, Nigerian govt blames supply disruption for persistent fuel scarcity

One month after the pledge by the Federal Government to ensure adequate distribution of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) after a nationwide scarcity induced by adulterated products, Nigerians are still reeling from the effects of non-availability of petroleum products.

In order to assuage the groans of the populace, the Federal Government on Thursday explained that the persistent scarcity was due to a massive disruption in the supply chain.

This was disclosed by the Minister of State, Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, who said the Federal Government and regulatory authorities were making efforts to address fuel scarcity by ensuring that supply disruption is overcome.

Sylva spoke during a press briefing shortly after a meeting in Abuja with Malam Mele Kyari, Group Managing Director, NNPC Ltd., and Mr Farouk Ahmed, Chief Executive Officer, Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), among others.

“This kind of supply disruptions are like accidents, they are not desirable, we do not expect them to happen but they happened once in a while.

“This administration has done well as far as fuel supply is concern. I am quite happy to hear from the NNPC GMD and CEO of NMDPRA on all they have been doing to ensure the scarcity is controlled.

“From what they have told me, in a few days there will be normalcy, everybody is putting efforts to ensure that supply disruption is overcome.

Read also: Nigerians have suffered worse fuel scarcity, power outages, heavens won’t fall —Femi Adesina

“On my part as Minister of State, I share their commitment to ensuring that this problem is totally overcome.

“From all the figures shown to me the supply is there, so why are they hoarding it, in the next few days we will be able to overcome those unscrupulous elements and make sure products get to Nigerians,” Sylva said.

In his statement, Kyari stated that NNPC has up to 1.79 billion litres of Motor Spirit (PMS) on the ground and is still continuing 24 hours loading at the depots and selling.

“We are working with the Premium e regulatory authorities, particularly the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to ensure normalcy,” he assured.

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