The Federal Government has pledged to address the concerns raised by oil transporters and distributors to facilitate smooth distribution amidst soaring operational and maintenance costs of trucks utilized in petroleum product transportation.
Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), disclosed this assurance during a meeting held on Monday in Abuja with key stakeholders from the downstream sector.
The stakeholders, comprising members of the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), Petroleum Tankers Drivers (PTD), Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), and the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), convened to address the resurgence of fuel queues at various stations, prompted by NARTO’s suspension of operations.
This suspension, in compliance with their earlier threat to halt nationwide petroleum product lifting and strike action commencing Monday, stemmed from the exorbitant costs of operations and maintenance.
Both NARTO and oil marketers lamented the steep cost of diesel, exceeding N1,300 per liter, required to fuel their trucks for nationwide transportation and distribution of petroleum products.
A correspondent from POLITICS NIGERIA, who surveyed Abuja, noted widespread unavailability of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) or fuel at many stations. Stations with fuel had extensive queues, pricing the product between N617 and N675 per liter. Even NNPC Ltd. retail outlets, selling at N617 per liter, experienced prolonged queues, while black market sales proliferated.
Nevertheless, Minister Lokpobiri commended the transporters for their patriotism and assured sustained engagement to address their challenges effectively.
“The issues raised are primarily commercial, and as a government, we must intervene to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians. We are committed to finding a solution,” the minister affirmed.
Following the meeting, NARTO President Yusuf Othman expressed satisfaction, stating that the minister acknowledged their concerns and pledged government support in resolving the issues.
“We are not in conflict with the government. It’s no longer the government’s responsibility to pay our freight rates; it lies with the oil marketers. The minister has promised to convene another meeting with both parties on Tuesday,” Othman stated.
