Fuel marketers have attributed the re-emergence of queues at petrol stations in Lagos and the Federal Capital Territory to disruptions in supply.
This was disclosed by the President of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association (PETROAN), Billy Gillis-Harry, during an interview on Channels Television on Thursday, which was monitored by Prime 9ja Online.
Gillis-Harry acknowledged the spiralling queues in some parts of the country, attributing it to supply challenges. He stated, “Undoubtedly, the queues have spiralled in some parts of the country. Simply speaking to the fact that we are having a problem with supply. We need to up our game to get the petroleum products delivered so that stations can be wet and committers can get the product. Simply speaking, there is a supply challenge."
He further explained that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) is the sole importer of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), and any issues they encounter could affect the supply chain. He said, “Only the NNPCL is importing PMS, and we are not producing in the country. So, if NNPCL has some issue, which is possible, this may affect the supply chain."
However, Gillis-Harry assured that the NNPCL is working tirelessly to ensure the availability of products. He mentioned that two vessels had recently arrived at Port Harcourt and that efforts were being made to ensure effective loading, which would alleviate the challenges. He added, “I am sure that NNPCL is working round the clock to ensure the products are available. Just a few days ago, two vessels arrived at Portharcourt; they are frantically assuring that loading is effectively carried out, which will assuage the challenges. However, the reality is that we don’t get the product when it is due."
Gillis-Harry further assured that the problem would soon be addressed and urged the public not to panic. He said, “Since we have gotten two fuel cargoes today from Portharcourt, soon Lagos will come, Calabar will come, Oghara will come, and retail outlets will be wet. There is no need to panic."
This development comes just days after tanker drivers threatened to go on strike but later suspended their plans. Prime 9ja Online recalls that the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) had withdrawn its service barely three days ago due to economic hardship caused by high operational costs and low freight rates. However, NARTO suspended its strike action after the Federal Government brokered an agreement between them and the oil marketers.