From Dennis Mernyi, Abuja
THE management of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has disclosed that about 64 trucks loaded with fuel meant to feed Abuja metropolis and environs are being diverted on daily basis by some unscrupulous marketers to unknown destinations.
The Corporation has however, warned the suspected marketers to desist from the sharp practices or face severe sanction if identified.
NNPC Group General Manager, Public Affairs, Garba Deen Mohammed, who stated this Tuesday in Abuja during an inspection of some filling stations in the metropolis declared that about 244 trucks of fuel are supplied to Abuja and environs to take care of the daily consumption of just 180 trucks on daily basis but expressed surprise that the scarcity had persisted, wondering the whereabouts of the extra 64 trucks.
According to him, “the major challenge used to be non-availability and supply of products but that has been overcome.
“About 244 trucks of fuel are been supplied to serve Abuja metropolis and its environs which originally required 180 trucks daily yet the scarcity persists.
“We have realise that some marketers have embarked on sharp practices of product diversion and hoarding.
“This is because, the daily consumption of Abuja metropolis and environs is within the range of 180 trucks daily yet the scarcity is still abating”, he stated.
Responding to price differential at some filling stations, Mohammed said staff of NNPC, DPR, PPPRA and PPMC have been deployed to all the filling stations across the country to ensure products are sold at the approved price of N86,50 per litre, warning that any marketer caught selling above the rate must be prosecuted.
Also speaking to newsmen, the Executive Director in charge of Supply and Distribution at the Nigerian Pipelines and Marketing Company (NPMC), Mr Austine Ezeala said the country has received many cargos loads of products each with over 40 million litres at both the Apapa and Warri ports that would be e distributed to the northen part of the country.