Amidst the persistent fuel queues in Abuja, Nasarawa, and Niger States, oil marketers and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) offer conflicting narratives on the cause.
While marketers cite insufficient supply as the root cause, NNPCL attributes the long lines to a “price war.”
The National Public Relations Officer of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, Chief Ukadike Chinedu, emphasized the connection between supply scarcity and profiteering, stating, “If we have enough products, it will bring down these acts of profiteering among marketers.”
However, the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPCL, Olufemi Soneye, refuted these claims, asserting, “The recent tightness in Abuja is essentially a price war, which is typical of any competitive market.”
The queues have persisted for weeks, leading to frustration among consumers. Ukadike highlighted the anticipation of PMS vessels arriving at various locations, hoping to alleviate the shortage.
Despite assurances from NNPCL about increased stock during the Christmas period, details about the arrival of expected PMS vessels remain undisclosed.
The oil marketer stressed the importance of timely deliveries to prevent fuel scarcity and profiteering, particularly during the festive season.
The conflicting narratives raise concerns about the impact on pump prices and accessibility for consumers in the coming weeks.
As queues continue to grow, the government’s intervention to ensure an adequate supply of products becomes crucial.