By Marcus Ikechukwu
The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority says the flooding at Lokoja, Kogi State is responsible for the fuel queues that have resurfaced in Abuja the nation’s capital.
The regulatory agency said the flooding situation in Lokoja has obstructed vehicular movement.
A statement provided by the Corporate Communications department of the NMDPRA, which was made available to Elendu Reports on Thursday, said the advisory became necessary given the current queues at fuel stations in Abuja.
The statement reads, “The Authority wishes to state that the fuel queues are caused by unprecedented flooding in Lokoja. Kogi State, which has submerged a greater part of the city and grounded all vehicular movements.”
“This, unfortunately, has affected the distribution of petroleum products to the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja and environs. As part of measures to mitigate the situation, trucking via alternative routes is currently ongoing.
“The Authority assures the public that there are sufficient petroleum products inland.”
“Consequently, the general public is advised to avoid panic buying at fuel stations as the NMDPRA is working assiduously with relevant stakeholders and Government agencies to ensure product availability across the country. In the same context, Marketers are advised to desist from hoarding the product to not inflict hardship on Nigerians.”
“The Authority wishes to reiterate its commitment to Nigerians to ensure seamless supply and distribution of Petroleum Products nationwide”.
Recall that fuel queues resurfaced in Abuja recently, a development that led to a scarcity of the product at filling stations and sent many motorists into panic buying.
