The Predicted Duration of Fuel Scarcity by IPMAN

According to IPMAN, the fuel scarcity situation, which is currently affecting several states, is not expected to normalize for at least a two-week period.

IPMAN’s Public Relations Officer, Chinedu Ukadike, disclosed that the country is currently facing unavailability of the product.

Obtaining the product has become particularly challenging due to ongoing maintenance activities at most refineries in Europe.

Ukadike attributed the supply shortage to complications in importation processes and delays in the renewal of licenses for marketers by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, NMDPRA.

Out of the 15,000 marketers, only 1,050 have had their licenses renewed by NMDPRA, as stated by Ukadike.

He emphasized that the current scarcity and long queues at filling stations are a direct result of inadequate or completely absent supply of the product.

He further mentioned that NNPC, Nigeria’s sole petroleum product supplier, has identified logistics and vessel issues as the root cause of the challenge.

Referring to the disruptions in the international supply chain, Ukadike highlighted that any delays in imports significantly affect the domestic supply, especially when considering the maintenance activities at European refineries.

Assurances have been given by the NNPC Group CEO regarding the imminent improvement in the supply chain with the arrival of their vessels, hinting at the potential return to normalcy soon.

He also mentioned the time it usually takes to restore the 30-day supply sufficiency in case of disruptions – a period of two to three months.

Anticipations are high that NNPC will be able to restore supply within the next week, leading to a gradual return to normal operations within another week.