Lagos filling stations shut, queues persist in Abuja, others

Many filling stations were shut on Monday as this led to queues by motorists in the few outlets that dispensed Premium Motor Spirit, popularly called petrol, in Abuja, neighbouring states, as well as in parts of Lagos.

It was learnt that marketers of PMS were still unsure about moves to halt petrol subsidy, considering the fact that the government had projected in 2021 that it would stop the subsidy regime in February this year.

It was also gathered that some members of the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners had discontinued operations in protests against the low freight rate for petrol which they received from government.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited had described the queues as panic buying.

However, in a recent statement issued by the company on the matter, it is, “The NNPC Limited wishes to assure the public that the company has sufficient PMS stock to meet the needs of Nigerians.

“The public is therefore, advised not to engage in panic buying of petrol; and to ignore all rumours that may suggest otherwise”.

It stated that in line with the existing laws of the land, NNPC was deeply committed to ensuring energy security for the country.