The House of Representatives Committees on Petroleum Resources (Midstream and Downstream) have revealed a breakthrough in addressing the logistical hurdles contributing to the fuel crisis in Nigeria.
According to the lawmakers, significant strides have been made in resolving issues such as the intricate process of product transportation from mother vessels to onshore facilities, the smooth operation of marine shuttle vessels for product movement, and the mitigation of disruptions in the Escravos channels.
This development marks a crucial step forward in alleviating the challenges plaguing the nation’s fuel supply chain.
Chairmen Ikenga Ugochinyere and Hon Henry Odianosen Okojie of the House of Representatives Committees on Petroleum Resources (Midstream and Downstream) delivered promising news during a briefing at the National Assembly Complex on Wednesday.
Addressing reporters, they disclosed that logistical barriers causing the fuel crisis in Nigeria have been effectively tackled.
Ugochinyere, reading from a joint statement, assured the public that within a day or two, petrol would inundate the market, bringing an end to the long queues witnessed at stations nationwide.
He emphasized receiving assurances from regulators within the distribution value chain that bottlenecks hindering smooth operations would be swiftly resolved.
The lawmakers, based on their investigations, confirmed the availability of petroleum products, with the country’s storage facilities holding a substantial reserve of at least 1.5 billion liters of petrol, capable of sustaining demand for 30 days.
Their statement emphasized, “From our findings, the issues that necessitated the disruptions…have been cleared…We have gotten assurances from the regulators and the unions, that these challenges will be cleared in a few days.”
Expressing concern over profiteering amid the crisis, they called upon security forces to collaborate with key stakeholders in combating economic sabotage such as hoarding, price hikes, product diversion, and smuggling.
In conclusion, they urged restraint from traders and service providers, appealing for solidarity during this temporary challenge, assuring that the situation would normalize within the next few days.