The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) says queues in some filling stations in Lagos is due to panic buying. It said tankers that have not been able to load petroleum products were affected by traffic gridlock caused by the ongoing road construction in Apapa.
According to a statement by Ohi Alegbe, the Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Department NNPC, the situation had resulted in a reduction of the number of trucks loading Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from Oil Marketing Companies’ Depots in Apapa Area of Lagos.
Alegbe said there was no need to be scarcity as the NNPC and its downstream subsidiary, the Pipelines and Products Marketing Company (PPMC) have over 32 days stock of petroleum products available for supply. More vessels carrying PMS had also arrived Lagos Port.
The NNPC therefore enjoined motorists in Lagos and its environs not to engage in panic buying. It also urged marketers affected by the Apapa road construction to load their products from its inland depot in Mosimi, so as to ensure availability of fuel to Nigerians.
The corporation also warned marketers against hoarding or diverting of petroleum products, as any marketer caught would be sanctioned.