The Federal Government has issued a stern warning to oil marketers, threatening to revoke their licenses if they are found guilty of hoarding Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol.
This move comes amid ongoing petrol shortages in Abuja, Niger, Nasarawa, Kaduna, and other states.
In recent weeks, northern states have faced severe fuel scarcity, leading to the closure of many petrol stations due to inadequate supply.
The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has responded by cautioning that stations caught hoarding fuel and selling to black market dealers using jerrycans will face license suspension.
Ogbugo Ukoha, Executive Director of Distribution Systems, Storage, and Retailing Infrastructure at NMDPRA, delivered the warning during an inspection tour in Abuja.
In a video shared by the regulator, Ukoha emphasized the seriousness of the issue, advising station managers to seek additional security if needed and to stop facilitating the sale of petrol to black market vendors.
The NMDPRA has declared a “war” against the illegal sale of petroleum products, particularly those dispensed in jerrycans, and has warned that non-compliance will lead to suspension of retail licenses.
Earlier, NNPC Ltd. spokesperson Olufemi Soneye attributed the fuel scarcity in Abuja and Lagos to operational disruptions with several vessels.
Soneye assured that the company, along with stakeholders, is working to resolve the issues and restore normal supply.
He also mentioned that adverse weather and flooding have further complicated the distribution process, but loading has now resumed.
Despite these assurances, the fuel scarcity continues to affect many northern states.
