Nigerian Midstream And Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority Explains Petrol Scarcity

The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Regulatory Authority (The Authority) has explained the cause of the sudden fuel scarcity and the resultant queues in filling stations in major parts of the country.

According to a statement by The Authority, the supplies of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) commonly referred to as fuel or petrol was halted because “Petrol, with methanol quantities above Nigeria’s specification was discovered in the supply chain”.

The supplies of the impacted petrol was halted, isolated and withdrawn including the loaded trucks in transit in order ” to ensure vehicular and equipment safety”.

The full text of the statement reads:

The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (The Authority) wishes to inform the general public that – limited quantity of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as Petrol, with methanol quantities above Nigeria’s specification was discovered in the supply chain.

Methanol is a regular additive in Petrol and usually blended in an acceptable quantity.

To ensure vehicular and equipment safety, the limited quantity of the impacted product has been isolated and withdrawn from the market, including the loaded trucks in transit

Our technical team in conjunction with NNPC Ltd and other industry stakeholders, will continue to monitor and ensure quality petroleum products are adequately supplied and distributed nationwide.

The source supplier has been identified and further commercial and appropriate actions shall be taken by the Authority and NNPC Ltd.

NNPC Ltd and all Oil Marketing Companies have been directed to sustain sufficient distribution of Petrol in all retail outlets nationwide.

Meanwhile, NNPC has intensified efforts at increasing the supply of Petrol into the market in order to bridge any unforeseen supply gap.

Issued by:

Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (The Authority)