The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has blamed the recent fuel scarcity in Abuja and neighbouring states on flooding in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital.
The agency on Thursday said in a statement floods have submerged a greater part of the city and grounded all vehicular movements, affecting the distribution of products.
“This, unfortunately, has affected the distribution of petroleum products to the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja and environs,” it said.
As part of measures to mitigate the situation, the agency said trucking via alternative routes is currently ongoing.
“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 product so as not to inflict hardship on Nigerians,” it said.
Queues reappeared in Abuja, the nation’s capital, on Tuesday, with many motorists finding it difficult to buy petroleum products as many stations were either closed or operated partially.
