Yuletide: NNPC Rallies Stakeholders For Zero Queues at Filling Stations

… Kyari says no plans to raise pump price

During the Yuletide and beyond, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) says necessary measures have been put in place to ensure zero fuel queues at filling stations across the country.

Critical stakeholders in the Downstream Sector of the Petroleum Industry’s meeting held in Abuja on Tuesday has ratified the zero queue agenda during and after the festivities, so says the Group Managing Director of NNPC, Malam Mele Kyari.

The meeting held at NNPC Towers in Abuja is sequel to the Presidential directive to ensure seamless supply and distribution of petroleum products across the nation during and after the period.

“Based on the level of collaboration among stakeholders in the downstream sector, the yuletide season and beyond will be devoid of any form of product scarcity,’’ Kyari said in a statement by the Acting Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs, Mr Samson Makoji.

Kyari said necessary logistics had also been emplaced to tackle challenges that could hamper free flow of fuel laden trucks and vessels.

According to the Group Managing Director, the stakeholders agreed on clear timeline for loading, stamping and dispatch of fuel tankers at all petroleum products depots nationwide, clear documentation process and procedures for all fuel tankers among others.

On the possibility of increasing pump price, Kyari assured stakeholders and the public that the Federal Government had no such plans.

Also speaking, Mr Salimon Oladiti, the Chairman, Petroleum Tanker Drivers arm of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), promised that the union would work round the clock with other stakeholders to ensure seamless distribution and supply of petroleum products across the country.

On his part, the President, National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), Dr Kazzim Bataiya, pledged the readiness of his members to work with NNPC and stakeholders to ensure a hitch-free operation.

“NARTO is ready to supply enough loading trucks to convey products from all loading depots.’’

Other stakeholders who attended the meeting include the Director, Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), Mr Ahmad Sakur, representatives of the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Security and the Nigeria Civil Defence and Security Corps.

Representatives of Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Authority (PPPRA), Petroleum Equalization Fund (PEF), Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association (DAPPMA) and the Federal Ministry of Works also attended.