The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited abruptly closed a number of its retail locations in the capital city, leaving residents of the Federal Capital Territory stranded and struggling with fuel shortages.
According to information obtained, the national oil company’s management allegedly ordered the stations to close for a few days, and they would remain closed until the next week.
Due to logistical difficulties, many drivers and commuters have experienced hours of delays as a result of the closures, which have resulted in lengthy lines at the remaining stations.
Drivers were turned away while attendants sat idle at several stations, including those in Lugbe, Airport Road, Zone 3, Lifecamp, and Kubwa.
“We have been dry for two days now,” said an attendant at an NNPC station in Garki who asked not to be named. There’s just nothing to sell. We are waiting for instructions from our vendors.
Peter, another Kubwa attendant, claimed that because of the difficulty, they have been selling their old gasoline supplies and haven’t gotten any new ones.
Yesterday, we completed our old stock. Today is the one day we don’t have any merchandise. Supplies are anticipated and will undoubtedly arrive by tomorrow. However, we are selling gas today,” he stated.
The closure was caused by internal changes that impacted all stations, according to a station manager at the NNPC Life Camp station, who verified the difficulty and the NNPCL management’s order.
“Some internal adjustments/programs being done at the management level are the reason why there hasn’t been fuel in most of our stations in Abuja here in recent weeks,” said the manager, who wished to remain anonymous.
However, since it is being resolved and some NNPC stations have begun receiving fuel and selling to consumers, there is no reason to be alarmed. We should have fuel here as well very soon, maybe within the next week. The cost per liter is 965 naira.
Since its mega stations are still operating and selling clients outdated products, our correspondent learned that the decision’s effects were not recognized right away.
As fuel supplies in the capital city quickly ran out, many locals were taken aback by this situation.
It was ineffective to try to get in touch with NNPCL spokesperson Femi Soneye about the closure’s justifications because he did not answer calls to his line.
However according to a corporate source, unexpected “logistical issues” were the reason for the stations’ closure.
“We had some logistical issues, but we have product in every depot.”
Long queues are building at the few stations that are operating, and residents have expressed their unhappiness with the situation.
According to a driver who spoke with our correspondent, the circumstances have compelled drivers to use independent merchants who charge more for their goods.
“I’m dissatisfied with the way this is being handled. I’m now forced to buy from independent marketers who charge more for their goods.
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