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Fuel Crisis Deepens As NNPCL Suspends Supply To Independent Marketers

Published

4 months ago

Sep 5, 2024.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) has reportedly suspended the sale of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, to independent marketers following a price hike to N855 per litre at its retail outlets nationwide.

This decision, made on Tuesday, has exacerbated fuel scarcity, leading to widespread protests and long queues at petrol stations across the country.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that in Delta State, commercial tricycle operators, popularly known as ‘keke’ riders, staged protests in Warri and Effurun to voice their discontent with the sudden price increase.

Commuters in major cities were left stranded as fewer commercial vehicles were available, with many motorists struggling to cope with the increased fuel prices.

Hammed Fashola, National Vice President of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), revealed that NNPCL had stopped loading petrol for independent marketers without prior notice, despite payments being made months ago.

According to Fashola, independent marketers are now forced to purchase fuel from private depots at significantly higher prices, with petrol being sold for as much as N1,200 to N1,300 per litre in certain states.

Fashola expressed frustration with the lack of communication from NNPCL, describing the situation as “very bad,” especially for marketers who had already paid for the product. He noted that the halt in supply was contributing to the price surge and scarcity experienced across the country.

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As Nigerians grapple with the fuel crisis, attention has shifted to the impending release of fuel from the Dangote Refinery, which is expected to ease the situation. However, Fashola cautioned that the impact of Dangote’s fuel on prices remains uncertain, as there has been no official communication regarding the pricing mechanism.