Abuja, Nigeria — The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has issued a stern warning to fuel station owners in Abuja, following growing concerns over safety and illegal fuel sales amidst a severe fuel scarcity in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
During a recent inspection in Abuja, an NMDPRA official underscored the gravity of the situation, urging station owners to take the regulatory directives seriously.
The official warned that fuel station owners should be aware of the potential consequences of illegal sales, stating, “You need to take it very seriously. If you need security reinforcements, speak to your management.”
The warning came amid widespread reports and observations of fuel scarcity in the FCT, leading to long queues and some fuel stations remaining closed due to a lack of supply.
The situation has been exacerbated by claims that some stations might be engaged in selling petroleum products directly to customers, bypassing regulatory standards and safety protocols.
“Our conclusion, our understanding is that you are selling this from here. There is no other place that they manufacture it from. Do you understand?” the official asserted during the inspection, highlighting the agency’s belief that unauthorized sales are taking place.
The NMDPRA has also used social media to amplify its message. On Friday, the agency took to its X (formerly Twitter) handle to address the issue, stating, “NMDPRA embarks on a war against the illegal sale of petroleum products, especially PMS in jerrycans.
Filling stations are advised to desist from servicing illegal peddlers; failure to do so would result in the suspension of retail licenses.”
The ongoing fuel scarcity has led to widespread frustration among residents of Abuja. Long queues of vehicles were observed at various fuel stations across the FCT, with many stations closed due to insufficient supply.
In some areas, including the Kado axis of the Abuja Municipal Area Council, fuel stations such as AA Rano were reported to be selling fuel at an exorbitant price of N849 per litre. Conversely, some stations remained shut due to the lack of available fuel.
In Bwari town, three out of four Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) stations were operational, selling fuel at N617 per litre. The price disparity and limited availability have only heightened the public’s frustration and the sense of urgency for resolution.
Matthew, a taxi driver waiting at an NNPC station in Bwari, expressed his concerns about the situation. “I have been experiencing a lot of challenges due to the scarcity. It has been a real headache. When we finally get the money, we are supposed to spend it with happiness and joy, but instead, we are spending it with sadness,” he said, reflecting the sentiment shared by many others grappling with the fuel shortage.
The NMDPRA’s warning underscores the serious regulatory and safety implications of the illegal sale of fuel.
The agency’s emphasis on security measures and the potential suspension of retail licenses is intended to curb the unauthorized sale of petroleum products and ensure that fuel is distributed through proper channels.
In response to the ongoing crisis, the NMDPRA has called for cooperation from fuel station owners and the public to adhere to regulatory guidelines and report any instances of illegal fuel sales. The agency’s efforts are aimed at addressing the fuel scarcity issue and restoring order to the distribution system.
As the situation continues to develop, residents and fuel station owners alike await further updates from the NMDPRA.
The agency’s actions in the coming days will be closely watched to determine their effectiveness in alleviating the fuel crisis and enforcing regulatory compliance.
