Assurances have been given by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company, NNPC Ltd, that the current fuel scarcity and queues will be eliminated by May 1, as noted by the Chief Communications Officer, NNPCL, Olufemi Soneye, during a media briefing in Lagos on Tuesday.
Stating that the company currently possesses over 1.5 billion litres of product, capable of meeting demand for at least a month, Soneye explained that a recent three-day distribution disruption has been rectified. However, resolving such challenges typically necessitates double the usual duration to restore normal operations.
Highlighting concerns about opportunistic profiteering during this period of disruption, Soneye commented on minimal product scarcity and the potential exploitation of the situation for unjust gains. He assured that queues would be cleared out within the next 48 hours.
While the National Vice President of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, lPMAN, Hammed Fashola, expressed optimism about the imminent relief in Lagos and Ogun, he acknowledged that delays might persist in Abuja due to logistical complexities and the distant supply chain from Lagos.
Fashola explained the challenges faced in the supply chain process, including logistical and transportation hurdles affecting the movement of products. He projected that the situation would improve soon, particularly in Lagos, by the following week.