The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) recently addressed the ongoing petrol scarcity and projected it would take about two weeks to resolve the issue.
This was disclosed by the association’s Public Relations Officer Chinedu Ukadike on Sunday, April 28, 2024.
Ukadike, highlighted the unavailability of the product within the country, attributing it partly to maintenance activities in European refineries.
The association’s spokesman also emphasized that the lack of supply leads to scarcity and long queues at fuel stations.
Ukadike further noted that out of 15,000 marketers, only 1,050 have had their licenses renewed by the NMDPRA, exacerbating the situation.
However, he mentioned assurances from the NNPC Group CEO regarding improved supply chain operations with the arrival of vessels, adding that restoring normalcy could take up to three months if the 30-day supply sufficiency is disrupted.
Ukadike said, “The situation is that there is no product. Once there is a lack of supply or inadequate supply, what you will see is scarcity and queues will emerge at filling stations.”
Nigerians urged to avoid panic buying as NNPC assures stable petrol prices
In response to the crisis, Olufemi Soneye, Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd, clarified that the supply tightness stems from logistical challenges, which have since been resolved.
The NNPC reiterated that petroleum product prices remain unchanged and urged Nigerians to refrain from panic buying, assuring that there are sufficient products available.
The statement reads, “It also wishes to reiterate that the prices of petroleum products are not changing. It urges Nigerians to avoid panic buying as there is a sufficiency of products in the country.”