The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) yesterday explained that the scarcity of the Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) has persisted in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) because some of the stations did not have enough stock prior to the announcement of the increase in pump price to N145 per litre.
According to the Assistant Director in-charge of Operation, Abuja Zone Mr. Ahmed Alaku, who spoke with newsman explained that bringing the products from the depots to Suleja for onward distribution to filling stations, would take some days.
“I am in a station as I talk to you and there are queues everywhere. It is because as at yesterday (Wednesday), the product that marketers loaded was not enough. Let’s give them some few days and see what happens because you know that some stations did not get products.
“And you know if they load products in Lagos, Calabar or Port Harcourt, it will get to Suleja depot and from Suleja they will distribute to filling stations within Abuja. They don’t have enough products,” he said.
Alaku added that marketers who were yet to lift their products from the depots after paying the old price would have to balance the deficit. He noted that the settlement of the differential also contributed to the continuing scarcity.
“You know some people paid the old price and now that the price has changed, they have to pay the balance. If you paid N86.50 and you have not loaded since yesterday, you cannot be given the product for N86.50 when you want to sell for N145, you have to pay the difference, and marketers would not pay in time. These are some of the challenges,” he said.
Meanwhile, a visit round the metropolis showed that most petrol stations were under lock and key, with a few independent and major marketers selling the product for N145 per litre.
Following the scarcity, the usual long queues were persistent resulting in the blockage of some roads. Black marketers were also in active business, with some selling at N350 per litre.
Motorists, however, lauded taxi drivers who were yet to raise their fares despite the hike. Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
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