Since the sudden resurfacing of fuel scarcity last week, many motorists have continued to develop several conspiracy theories as the cause of the scourge.
Whereas major marketers argue that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) is being economical with words on the actual ex-depot price, the situation will not improve.
Marketers had for long been saying that NNPC depots are giving them products at a rate higher than the official rate of N133.38, an accusation the Corporation had continued to deny.
Only Tuesday, the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), a critical department in the NNPC warned that “Any depot that sells fuel above the ex-depot price of N133.38 to petroleum marketers would be liable to three months closure and a fine of twenty million Naira fine”.
Wole Akinyosoye , DPR’s Zonal Operations Controller, Lagos, who disclosed this in a statement as part of the measures to curb the biting fuel scarcity in the country, also said the Pipelines and Product Marketing Company(PPMC), would also exclude the erring depot from Coastal supply allocation for at least a period of one year
According to him, depots selling Premium Motors Spirit (PMS), otherwise called fuel to bulk buyers without verifiable retail outlets would be slammed A fine of ten million Naira fine and closure for at least six months, after the products in the Depot have been sold off.
DPR averred that fine of N200.00 per litre would be imposed on the hoarded product at retail outlets and the erring station would be closed for at least six months.
However, checks around Lagos and Abuja on Wednesday showed minimal ease even as lifting of products continues as a very low rate at visited depots.
