FG directs NNPC, oil marketers to ensure supply of petroleum products

The federal government says it has directed the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited and oil marketers to ensure a robust supply of petroleum products in order to curb the current fuel scarcity in the country.

In a statement by the CEO of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Agency, Mr. Farouk Ahmed, the current scarcity was caused by bad products which are being withdrawn from the market.

According to Ahmed, the methanol quantity which was above Nigeria’s specification was discovered in a supply chain, which has since been isolated.

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Mr. Ahmed said while the quality control agencies of the government have swung into action, NNPC Limited and oil marketers have been directed to ensure a robust supply of petroleum products.

Part of the statement read, “NMDPRA wishes to inform the public that a limited quantity of petrol; with methanol quantities above Nigeria’s specification was discovered in the supply chain.

“Methanol is a regular additive in petrol and is usually blended in an acceptable quantity.

“To ensure vehicular and equipment safety the limited quantity of the impacted product has been isolated; and withdrawn from the market including loaded trucks in transit.”

The FG assured that a technical team in conjunction with NNPC will monitor; and ensure quality petroleum products are adequately supplied.

“The source supplier has been identified and further commercial and appropriate actions shall be taken by the authority and NNPC Ltd.