The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has dispelled rumors of an impending increase in the cost of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol. In a statement by the Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, the NNPCL assured Nigerians that there are no plans for an upward review of the petrol price.
The statement also cautioned against panic buying, emphasizing that there is currently ample availability of petrol across the country. The NNPCL’s proactive communication aims to prevent unnecessary disruptions and long queues at fuel stations, urging motorists not to engage in panic buying.
Oil marketers had expressed concerns about a potential scarcity of petrol if the NNPCL did not make the product available to depot owners and other dealers. Long queues were reported at filling stations in Lagos State, particularly in Ikeja and other areas, leading to traffic gridlock as residents feared a fresh scarcity of petrol.
However, the Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, dismissed insinuations of a new fuel scarcity. Soneye confirmed that the NNPCL did not face supply issues, and its products remained readily available. He attributed the recent tightness in certain areas to a brief distribution issue in Lagos, which has since been resolved.
The NNPCL’s assurance and clarification aim to alleviate concerns among consumers and maintain stability in the petrol supply chain. As petrol prices and availability are crucial factors influencing daily life in Nigeria, timely communication from the NNPCL helps manage public perception and avoid unnecessary disruptions in the market.
