Fuel merchants attribute the resurgence of lines in Lagos and the Federal Capital Territory on supply disruptions.
Billy Gillis-Harry, the president of PETROAN, the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association, said this on Thursday during an interview with Channels Television.
“There’s no denying that in some areas of the nation, the lines have become longer. Just mentioning the fact that there is a supply issue for us. For committers to receive the product and for stations to be moist, we must step up our efforts to supply the petroleum products. In short, there’s a problem with supply.
“We are not producing PMS in the nation; only the NNPCL imports it. Thus, if NNPCL has a problem—which is conceivable—the supply chain may be impacted.
“I do not doubt that NNPCL is working nonstop to make sure the items are accessible. Two vessels landed in Portharcourt a few days ago, and they are working feverishly to ensure that loading is done efficiently, which will ease the difficulties. But in actuality, we don’t receive the stuff when it’s supposed to,” he said.
Billis-Harry went on to say that there was no need to fear because the issue will be resolved shortly.
“After receiving two petroleum shipments from Portharcourt today, Lagos, Calabar, and Oghara will arrive shortly, resulting in drenched retail spaces. There’s no reason to freak out,” he said.
Days after tanker drivers threatened to down tools but eventually abandoned the idea, this development has occurred.
The Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners, or NARTO, ceased operations just three days ago because to financial difficulties brought on by excessive operating expenses and poor freight rates.
But after the federal government mediated a settlement between NARTO and the oil marketers, the organization called off its strike.