By Bassey Udo
The current long queues that have resurfaced at petrol filling stations in Abuja and environs are as a result of unprecedented flooding in Lokoja, Kogi State, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has said.
The Authority said in an advisory contained in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja by the Corporate Communications Department.
“The Authority wishes to state that the fuel queues (in Abuja and environs) are caused by unprecedented flooding in Lokoja, Kogi State, which has submerged a greater part of the city and grounded all vehicular movements.
“This unfortunately has affected the distribution of petroleum products to the Federal Capital Territory,
Abuja and environs,” the Midstream and Downstream petroleum industry regulator said.
As part of measures to mitigate the situation, the agency said trucking of petroleum products through alternative routes was currently ongoing.
Although consumers have been engaging in panic buying for fear that products may not available soon, the Authority reassured the public that there were sufficient petroleum products inland.
Consequently, the agency advised the general public to avoid panic buying at fuel stations as the NMDPRA was working assiduously with relevant stakeholders and
Government agencies to ensure product availability across the country.
Consequently, the NMDPRA urged petroleum products marketers to desist from hoarding the products so as not to inflict hardship on Nigerians.
“The Authority wishes to reiterate its commitment to Nigerians to ensure seamless
supply and distribution of Petroleum Products nationwide,” the statement said.
