Despite assurances from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited regarding the resolution of logistical challenges causing fuel shortages, residents of Lagos and other regions across the country still grappled with difficulties in accessing Premium Motor Spirit, as numerous filling stations remained closed over the weekend.
Reports suggest that the situation could deteriorate further in Lagos and other South-Western states such as Ogun, Oyo, and Osun, owing to directives from the NNPCL prioritizing fuel truck deliveries to the Federal Capital Territory before other areas. Consequently, a significant portion of trucks departing from depots in Lagos since Friday were directed towards Abuja.
Officials from the NNPCL and fuel marketers, speaking anonymously due to a lack of authorization to address the media on the issue, revealed that there was a mandate for depots to prioritize fuel distribution to Abuja before other regions. Concerns were raised that the queue might persist for the next three days in the Southwest.
According to industry sources, hundreds of trucks loaded on Saturday were dispatched to Abuja following the NNPCL directive. Furthermore, officials disclosed that fuel allocation to depots had been halved, with only 5,000 metric tonnes provided instead of the usual 10,000 MT, as the NNPCL implemented rationing measures due to the scarcity.
An industry operator attributed the erratic supply to the NNPCL's current inability to import sufficient fuel. He noted instances of disruption in importation, such as limited vessel presence at the NNPCL Jetty in Apapa, indicating challenges beyond logistical issues.
The operator highlighted that all fuel trucks were directed to serve Abuja first, leaving depots in the south-west region facing prolonged waiting periods. This prioritization of Abuja by regulatory agencies is expected to continue until normalcy is restored.
Anticipating further queues in the southwest over the next few days, the operator emphasized the government's prioritization of fuel supply to Abuja, underscoring the significance of ensuring adequate fuel availability in the nation's capital.
