Petrol marketers have attributed the recent fuel scarcity in the country to supply issues from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, the sole importer of the commodity. They stated that they have been forced to source petrol from depot owners, leading to a slight increase in prices across Nigeria.

Billy Gillis-Harry, the National President of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN), discussed this issue on Tuesday during an interview on Channels Television’s “The Morning Brief.”

The petrol scarcity began recently, with the NNPC citing “adverse weather conditions” and “flooding” as causes. This has resulted in long queues at filling stations nationwide, causing severe traffic congestion and doubling transport fares.

Prices have surged at independent retail outlets, with petrol now costing over ₦650 per litre in some areas, compared to about ₦570 at NNPC stations in Lagos. Prices are even higher in Abuja and other states.

Gillis-Harry confirmed that while the NNPC has not increased its prices, the reliance on depot supplies has led to price hikes. He mentioned that the NNPC is upgrading its platform, which should be completed soon. Despite this, he emphasised that the current challenges are supply-based.

“The supply issues originate from the source, not the retailers. We only sell what we are given; we do not import or refine petrol,” he said. He also highlighted the increasing complexity and cost of logistics, exacerbated by the scarcity and high price of diesel for trucks.

Gillis-Harry called for government subsidies for fuel distribution logistics. Denying allegations that marketers are exploiting Nigerians, he stated that the highest price for petrol should be around ₦680, factoring in transportation costs.

He also pointed out that foreign exchange shortages have hindered the importation of petroleum products, limiting the full implementation of deregulation in the sector.

Gillis-Harry urged Nigerians to be patient, assuring them that the current fuel shortages would be resolved soon.