Queues for fuel in FCT are easing

Following an artificial scarcity, lines for Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) at filling stations in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have thinned. As of yesterday, normalcy had been restored, with many fuel stations in the Central Business District and along the Nyanya-Karu-Kurudu-Orozo-Karshi axis selling at the standard rate of N165 per litre and dispensing with all pumping machines.

Due to a scarcity in the FCT, many fuel stations were seen closed last week, hoarding or dispensing PMS with one or two pumping machines with queues.
Mrs Roselyn Wilkie, Zonal Operations Controller, told reporters that the fuel scarcity was created artificially, primarily in anticipation of the removal of fuel subsidies and the ensuing panic buying.

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According to her, the authority increased surveillance during this time to prevent hoarding, sharp practices, and to ensure that fuel stations with products used as many pumps as possible to connect to their storage tanks.

She stated that the agency would remain on the ground to prevent illegal practices and ensure the continued availability of petroleum products.

President Muhammadu Buhari ordered an 18-month suspension of the removal of the subsidy on PMS on January 25.

Despite assurances from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) that it had enough PMS to meet domestic needs, the situation persisted, indicating that panic-buying should be avoided.

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The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Abuja Zonal Office, told reporters that the artificial fuel scarcity in the FCT was caused by the removal of subsidies.