NNPCL while briefing journalists also alleged that: “Some folks are taking advantage of this situation to maximize profits.”
By Kehinde Okeowo
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd (NNPCL), has blamed the lingering fuel scarcity on logistics challenges, assuring that the queues will be cleared out by Wednesday, May 1.
NNPCL’s Chief Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, made this known on Tuesday in Lagos.
According to him, the company currently has an availability of product exceeding 1.5 billion litres, which can last for at least 30 days.
NNPCL while briefing journalists, also alleged that, “Some folks are taking advantage of this situation to maximize profits.”
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Speaking on the fuel scarcity, Soneye said: “Unfortunately, we experienced a three-day disruption in distribution due to logistical issues, which has since been resolved.
“However, as you know, overcoming such disruptions typically requires double the amount of time to return to normal operations.”
He added: “Some folks are taking advantage of this situation to maximize profits.
“Thankfully, product scarcity has been minimal lately, but these folks might be exploiting the situation for unwarranted gain
“The lines will be cleared out between today and tomorrow.”
Also discussing the fuel queues, the National Vice President of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, (lPMAN), Hammed Fashola, expressed optimism that the queues in Lagos and Ogun would ease off this week..
He, however, added that the queues in Abuja and other parts of the North might tarry a bit due to the proximity to Lagos.
“The information available to us from the NNPCL was that there was a logistics problem, and when that happens, it will disrupt the supply chain.
“That might be a delay in the movement of ships from the mother vessel to the daughter vessel before it gets to the depot tanks.
“Before we can correct that, surely it will take some days. I think by Tuesday or Wednesday, there will be more products available for lifting by marketers.
“It might take time before it can ease off in Abuja, considering the distance to Lagos and the bad roads; Lagos might be calm this new week,” Fashola said.