The Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has attributed the prolonged fuel scarcity in the country to a combination of panic buying and unethical practices by certain petroleum marketers seeking to exploit the situation for profit. The corporation has assured the public that fuel queues will dissipate by the following week, stating that there is an ample supply of fuel to address the scarcity effectively.
However, petroleum marketers have challenged the NNPC's stance, asserting that insufficient supply is a primary factor contributing to the ongoing fuel shortage. Despite assurances from the NNPC spokesperson earlier in the week, stating that the supply shortage and associated queues would be resolved by May 1st, the situation has yet to improve significantly.
During an interview on Arise TV, Dr. Gillis-Harry, the National President of the Petroleum Retailers Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria, addressed concerns regarding the fuel scarcity. He expressed cautious optimism, stating that he believes petroleum products will become more readily available in retail outlets in the coming days, rather than weeks, although the specifics were not elaborated upon.
He said, "as I speak, I believe that in the coming days, and not coming weeks, our petroleum products will be out there in many retail outlets. That is how far I can go for now."
Watch the video starting from 3:55