The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and its environs have been hit by a new shortage of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, with marketers attributing the scarcity to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) and the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) explained the situation in Abuja over the weekend.
According to PETROAN National President, Dr. Harry Billy, their members source the product exclusively from NNPCL. Thus, when there is a shortage of fuel, it means that the state-owned oil firm has not supplied them.
He stated, “So if you see scarcity like this that is affecting the place, the way I saw it yesterday (Friday), it is simply the fact that our principals are working out the process to see how they can buy PMS for our members. That is exactly how it is.”
On the other hand, IPMAN National President, Alhaji Abubakar Maigandi highlighted the slow loading process at the depots as a factor contributing to the scarcity.
He also mentioned the price increase at private depots, stating that they raised their prices from N630 to N650 per litre, while the NNPCL depot price has remained at N570/litre.
The shortage has caused tension among motorists in the FCT, with only a few retail outlets, mainly belonging to NNPCL, open to customers.
NNPCL is vending the product at N617 per litre, while stations of A.A. Rano, Mobile, and NipCo are selling it at N690 per litre.
Black marketers are taking advantage of the shortage by selling petrol in 10 litre plastic containers for prices ranging from N9,000 to N11,000 per litre.
As of now, it is unclear when the scarcity of fuel will be resolved and when regular supply will resume.
