The Federal Government through the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority on Tuesday disclosed that it is withdrawing supply of petrol following the discovery that adulterated fuel with methanol quantities above the country’s specification, was in the supply chain.
The regulatory body in a statement said it withdrew the adulterated supply in the best interest of Nigerians, adding that it has identified the oil marketers in possession of the adulterated fuel and appropriate actions will be taken.
It also said oil marketers had been directed to ensure sufficient supply of quality petrol in all outlets in the country.
In its statement, The regulatory authority said, “Limited quantity of Premium Motor Spirit, commonly known as Petrol, with methanol quantities above Nigeria’s specification was discovered in the supply chain.
“Methanol is a regular additive in Petrol and usually blended in an acceptable quantity.
“To ensure vehicular and equipment safety, the limited quantity of the impacted product has been isolated and withdrawn from the market, including the loaded trucks in transit.
“Our technical team in conjunction with NNPC Ltd and other industry stakeholders will continue to monitor and ensure quality petroleum products are adequately supplied and distributed nationwide.
“The source supplier has been identified and further commercial and appropriate actions shall be taken by the Authority and NNPC Ltd.
“NNPC Ltd and all Oil Marketing Companies have been directed to sustain sufficient distribution of Petrol in all retail outlets nationwide.
“Meanwhile, NNPC has intensified efforts at increasing the supply of Petrol into the market in order to bridge any unforeseen supply gap.”
Following the withdrawal of the adulterated fuel, many parts of the country on Tuesday witnessed fuel scarcity as checks by The New Diplomat showed that queues had surfaced at filling stations in parts of the country including Lagos, Abuja, Osun, among others.
Only a few filling stations (mostly government-owned) were selling fuel as others, especially those owned by independent marketers were not opened for business.
