NNPC: we have stock to meet 30 days demand

By John Ofikhenua, Abuja and Dupe Olaoye-Osinkolu 

 

• We are not on strike, says NUPENG

Contrary to reports of an imminent shortage of petroleum products, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has assured that there is sufficient quantity to last a minimum of 30 days.
In a statement, the Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs,  Fidel Pepple, said  there,  is no truth in the reports of an imminent nationwide fuel scarcity, as the Pipeline and Products Marketing Company (PPMC), a subsidiary of the Corporation, has enough fuel  to meet national demand for at least 30 days, even if all the local refineries were down and there was no importation.
“What we have discovered is that there is panic buying of fuel as a result of reports that some marketers have stopped importing fuel and that NNPC does not have enough to go round. But the true position of things is that we have enough PMS to meet national demand for a minimum of 30 days even if all our local refineries were down and there was no importation,‘’ he stated.
He explained that major marketers have not been importing fuel for some time now due to reasons that are public knowledge, saying  NNPC as a national oil company, has sustained supplies all the while, adding that “NNPC will ensure that there is no shortage of supply.’’
He called on marketers and fuel station managers to desist from hoarding or diversion of the product, as any marketer caught will be sanctioned. 
 Meanwhile, Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG),  has said it is not on strike and could not therefore be held responsible for the shortage of petroleum products  being experienced in Abuja and Lagos.
In a statement, the Ag. General- Secretary, Comrade Isaac O. Aberare, said it is up to the Federal Government to let the people know the reason behind the current petroleum products shortage.

SOURCE: 5 September 2012.