National Telescope national telescope newspaper
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has started the offloading of 240 million litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol. This endeavor aims to alleviate the shortage of fuel across the nation.
As petrol prices continue to soar, filling stations across various locations are selling the product at an average price of N800 per litre.
The South-West Regional Coordinator of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Ayo Cardoso,
confirmed that the imported petrol arrived via five vessels and was offloaded into five depots.
However, challenges persist despite these efforts. Many filling stations in Lagos and other parts of the country remain closed, exacerbating the difficulties faced by citizens in accessing fuel.
Furthermore, the NNPC has directed the prioritisation of fuel distribution to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, over other regions, resulting in a fleet of trucks being dispatched to Abuja.
This situation has led to a nationwide increase in pump prices, with petrol being sold for between ₦650 and over ₦1,000 per litre at various filling stations.
Additionally, black marketeers are taking advantage of the scarcity, selling petrol at prices exceeding ₦1,200 per litre.
The escalation of fuel prices and scarcity has heightened hardships for many, especially as the new work week began.
The resumption of public schools in some states has added to the burden, with parents, teachers, and school owners grappling with increased transportation costs and accessibility challenges.
Cardoso reassured the public that the NMDPRA is actively monitoring the situation to prevent exploitative pricing at filling stations. He emphasised the ongoing efforts to ensure fair and prompt fuel distribution across all regions.
Despite these reassurances, fuel scarcity continues to affect Abuja, Lagos, Ogun, Niger, Nasarawa, Gombe, and other states.
