Oil marketers have disclosed that they will only supply the fuel stock available, citing lingering logistics challenges as the primary reason for the current fuel scarcity that has gripped the nation.
The fuel scarcity has led to increased prices, with some filling stations selling the product for between ₦800-₦1,000 per litre. Black market racketeers have taken advantage of the situation, selling the product at exorbitant prices.
According to Billy Gillis-Harry, President of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association (PETROAN), marketers are currently facing significant supply constraints, which have limited their ability to distribute fuel to meet the nation’s demand.
Gillis-Harry made the explanation as a guest on Channels Television’s Morning Brief on Monday.
He attributed the scarcity to logistics-related issues, specifically ship-to-ship transfer challenges. He explained that until these challenges are resolved, marketers will only be able to supply what they have, leading to a cycle of scarcity that has left many Nigerians stranded.
He said, “I think until we get our supply challenges sorted out efficiently and abundantly, we will not be able to get out of this circle.
“I believe you must have heard the NNPC’s communications director who explained that the issues at stake are still logistics-related.
“So until they get that resolved, we may just be managing the little they bring, and give to us to distribute among our members.
“NNPCL is doing its best to bring in products bit by bit, and we can only supply what we have.”
He added, “The logistics issue is about ship-to-ship transfer. Until the ship gets products, it cannot deliver to any of the depots. And until depots have products, we the retailers cannot also have access to products,”
The PETROAN president assured that marketers are in talks with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to address the supply challenges.
He said, “We have been speaking with NNPCL. We encourage them to do more, and I can assure you that they are trying their best.”
