Marketers give reasons behind new fuel shortage

Petroleum marketers in the country, under the auspices of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association (PETROAN), attributed the latest petrol shortage to the non-supply of the product by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

The statement follows the return of queues at fuel stations across the country, with some marketers selling a litre of petrol for ₦1,000 over the weekend.

However, some gas stations are not selling the product because black market marketers are having a field day.

These developments have led to increased transportation costs.

President (PETROAN), Billy Gillis-Harry, appearing on Channels Television’s Morning Brief on Monday, said marketers are currently supply constrained and can only distribute what they have.

He said: “I think until we solve the supply challenge efficiently and abundantly, we will not be able to get out of this cycle.

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“I am sure you must have heard the NNPC director of communications explaining that the issue at stake is still related to logistics.

“So, until they sort this out, we may just manage the little bit that they bring in, and give it to us to share with our members.

“NNPCL is trying its best to bring in products bit by bit, and we can only provide what we have.”

When asked to elaborate on what the logistical challenges were, Gillis-Harry added: “The logistical issue is about moving from one ship to another. Until the ship has the product, it cannot deliver it to any depot. And until the depot has the product, we as retailers cannot access the product.”

However, he assured that marketers were in talks with NNPCL over supply challenges.

“We have spoken to NNPCL. We have encouraged them to do more, and I can assure you that they have tried their best,” the PETROAN chief said.

By: Babajide Okeowo

Marketer gives reasons for new fuel shortage first appeared on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from Ripples Nigeria.