NNPC explains why queues for petrol returned last weekend

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has explained why queues for petrol returned at some filling stations in Abuja last weekend.

The petrol queues were blamed on “low loadouts” at depots. Garba Deen Muhammad, NNPC spokesman added that purchases by residents who recently returned after the public holidays also contributed to the queues.

Muhammad further revealed that efforts are ongoing to address the situation. The statement read; 

“The NNPC Ltd notes the sudden appearance of fuel queues in parts of Abuja. This is very likely due to low loadouts at depots which usually happen during long public holidays, in this case, the Sallah celebrations.

“Another contributing factor to the sudden appearances of queues is the increased fuel purchases which is also usual with returning residents of the FCT from the public holidays.

“NNPC and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), in conjunction with our marketing partners, have taken necessary measures to ramp up loadouts from all depots.

“We assure all residents of the FCT, and indeed all Nigerians, that we have ample local supplies and national stock in excess of 2.5 billion liters, with sufficiency of more than 43 days.

“The NNPC Ltd hereby advises motorists not to engage in panic buying as supplies are adequate as will become increasingly evident in the coming days.”