Despite the government’s promises, the prolonged petrol shortage, characterised by long queues, continued yesterday in Abuja, Lagos and other cities.
A visit to some depots in Lagos showed that there were commercial stocks of the products, but operators said distribution was hindered by the long holiday.
According to the depot owners, the smooth operation of the value chain was, to some extent, disrupted as key officials, especially tanker drivers, shut down to enable them to travel for this year’s Eid-el-Kabir festival.
It also showed that a few major marketers which had the product, sold at the N165 per litre regulated price, while those without it simply shut their gates against motorists and other buyers.
On the other hand, many independent marketers, who did not have petrol shut their stations while a few that had the product sold at higher prices, ranging from N200 to N300 per litre, depending on location.
However, consumers, who complained about poor power supply and used jerrycans to buy for their generators, were compelled to pay additional N100 –N500, depending on the size of the cans.
The presence of officials of Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, NMDPRA, who have the responsibility to maintain sanity were not noticed at the filling stations.
Commenting on the development, the National Operation Controller, Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, IPMAN, Mr Mike Osatuyi, said: “We can confirm that there is adequate petrol. But distribution has been a major challenge as tanker drivers travel for the holiday. We are optimistic that there would be improved once the holiday is over.”
-Vanguard
