National
FG Warns Petrol Retailers Amid Persistent Fuel Scarcity
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The Federal Government, through the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), has issued a stern warning to Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) retailers against the illegal sale of petrol, particularly as fuel scarcity continues to affect the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, as well as neighboring Nasarawa and Niger states.
In an official statement released via its X account, the NMDPRA urged filling stations to cease selling petrol to black market operators. The regulator emphasized that any retail outlet found engaging in such activities risks having its operating license suspended.
“NMDPRA is intensifying efforts to combat the illegal sale of petroleum products, particularly PMS in jerrycans. Filling stations are strongly advised against aiding illegal fuel peddlers, or they will face the suspension of their retail licenses,” the statement read.
This warning comes as fuel scarcity worsens in the nationās capital. Reports from Friday indicate that most filling stations in Abuja are not dispensing fuel, with only a few stations, primarily those operated by Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), remaining open for business. The scarcity has led to long queues at these limited outlets.
Two weeks ago, the NNPCL attributed the fuel shortage to delays in the discharge operations of several vessels. However, despite these explanations, fuel scarcity remains a persistent issue in the country.
In a related development, Billy Gillis-Harry, President of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association (PETROAN), recently called on the Nigerian government to establish a “war council” to address the recurring fuel scarcity and develop a long-term solution.
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