By Starrys Obazei | January 24, 2023
starrys@ddnewsonline.com
The House of Representatives has directed the Nigeria Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited and other regulatory agencies to immediately end the fuel scarcity across the country.
This is the sequel to a motion brought under matters of urgent public importance by Hon. Leke Abejide on the need for NNPC Limited and other regulators in the petroleum industry to end fuel scarcity across the country.
Hon. Abejide noted that NNPC Limited is the only importer of premium motor spirit, popularly called petrol, in the country.
He also noted that the National Assembly has approved the money for the subsidy on petroleum products to mitigate against unforeseen circumstances in the areas of shortages of the product.
“Recall that over three months there has been a persistent scarcity of PMS in many parts of the country and the situation appears to be getting worse.
“Aware that there are uneven pump prices being dispensed by the Filling Stations across the country which fields speculations that government may have begun to remove subsidy on petrol.
“Also, aware that there is the allegation of drop in petrol supply to marketers by private depots which is creating a dangerous mindset in the country.
“Concerned that the current fuel crisis across the country may worsen in the days ahead with the introduction of an N16.00 per liter charge.
“Also concerned that another contributing factor to the scarcity of the product may be unconnected with the increased cost of hiring daughter vessels in the hike in liter charges which hitherto were paid in Naira but now being charged in US Dollars.
“Further concerned that the scarcity is associated with saboteurs among some of the key stakeholders who deliberately manipulated the system.
“Worried that due to the scarcity Nigerians are exposed to all sorts of hardships which has resulted in a hike in transportation fares and high cost of some major food items.
“Also, worried that as a result of petrol scarcity Nigerians are not finding it easy in their day-to-day livelihood activities.
Consequently, the House urged the NNPC Limited as a sole importer to urgently ease off these queues in Filling Stations.
They also urged the relevant security agencies to fish out those oil marketers and other economic saboteurs that may be responsible for the fuel scarcity across the country and mandate the relevant House Committees to investigate the matter within 48 hours and report to the House.
They also summoned all the relevant regulatory authorities to appear before the leadership of the House of Representatives tomorrow, Thursday.