– Seeks alternative routes
Ike Amos
Dublin, Ireland — The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, NMDPRA, Thursday, blamed the current fuel scarcity witnessed in Abuja and neighboring states on the flooding in Lokoja.
In a statement in Abuja, the NMDPRA, also called The Authority, lamented that the flood which had hampered vehicular movement across Lokoja, has also affected vehicles conveying petroleum products to Abuja and environs.
The downstream and midstream regulator, however, noted that efforts are currently ongoing to explore alternative routes, while it cautioned against panic buying.
The Authority disclosed that the country currently has sufficient quantity of premium motor spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, to meet demand.
It also warned petroleum marketers to avoid hoarding of the product, so as not to inflict unnecessary hardship on Nigerians.
The statement read: “The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, NMDPRA, is providing this advisory on the current queues at fuel stations in Abuja. The Authority wishes to state that the fuel queues are caused by unprecedented flooding in Lokoja, Kogi State, which has submerged a greater part of the city and grounded all vehicular movements.
“This unfortunately has affected the distribution of petroleum products to the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja and environs.
“As part of measures to mitigate the situation, trucking via alternative routes is currently ongoing. The Authority assures the public that there are sufficient petroleum products inland. Consequently, the general public is advised to avoid panic buying at fuel stations as the NMDPRA is working assiduously with relevant stakeholders and Government agencies to ensure product availability across the country.
“In the same context, Marketers are advised to desist from hoarding the product so as not to inflict hardship on Nigerians. The Authority wishes to reiterate its commitment to Nigerians to ensure seamless supply and distribution of Petroleum Products nationwide.”
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