*Over 2 billion litres in stock
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) has assured Nigerians that there is more than enough fuel to go round this period of Christmas celebration and advised consumers not to engage in panic buying.
NNPC in a statement by its Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Garba Deen Muhammad, noted that the firm’s strategic petrol reserve rose from 1.7 billion litres last month to over two billion litres this month.
Garba Deen Muhammad said: “NNPC wishes to express its appreciation to Nigerians for always heeding its advisories not to engage in panic buying of petrol.
“The NNPC is once again giving Nigerians strong assurance that we have product sufficiency that will last far beyond the festive period.
“Indeed, our stock has risen from a reserve of 1.7 billion litres to over two billion litres within the last one month.
“Thus, we once again urge Nigerians not to engage in panic buying but to fully enjoy the spirit of the festive season as we continue to work tirelessly to ensure sufficient supply of petrol to every part of the country.”
The NNPC spokesman extended the company’s sincere appreciations to Nigerians for their understanding and support through the year and wished them happy celebrations.
Garba Deen Muhammad had last month reiterated the same assurance of sufficient petrol and the need not to go panic buying when there was speculation the Federal Government planned to increase the pump price of petrol, which made some fuel retail outlets to hoard by closing shops.
Garba Deen Muhammad stated then that the NNPC was not aware of any plan by the government to cause an increase in the pump price of petroleum, adding the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) made the declaration.
“The general public is hereby advised not to engage in panic buying of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) commonly known as petrol. The NNPC has over 1.7 billion litres of petrol in stock and more products are expected to arrive into the country daily over the coming weeks and months.
“It is, therefore, unnecessary to entertain any fear of scarcity of petrol throughout the festive season and beyond.
“In view of these assurances, therefore, the NNPC is advising motorists and other consumers of petrol to maintain their regular pattern of purchase of petrol without getting into a panic situation that may send the wrong signals around the country.
The NNPC is also engaging all stakeholders to ensure smooth supply and distribution of products to every part of the country during the festive season and beyond,” he added.
