[Breaking] Abuja Fuel scarcity: FG heaps blame on Lokoja flood

The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), has said the massive flooding of Lokoja was responsible for the return of queues to fuel stations in the federal capital territory (FCT) and its environs.

In a statement signed by the corporate communications department of the agency, the flood submerged a large portion of the road making the vehicular movement difficult. 

“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 Capita Territory, Abuja and environs,” the statement said.

According to NMDPRA, it is providing the advisory to enable Nigerians understand the reason for the current queues at fuel stations.

The authority assured that “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 products as not to inflict hardship on Nigerians.”

The Authority said it was committed to ensuring there seamless supply and distribution of petroleum products nationwide.