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Tag: Fuel scarcity

  • Fuel Scarcity: APC write Nigerians

    Fuel Scarcity: APC write Nigerians

    APC Report


    The All Progressives Congress (APC) has said that the party is aware of the hardship Nigerians are passing through over the current fuel scarcity. The party on Wednesday made this statement following the ongoing fuel scarcity, saying the situation is being addressed. “Let's be a little more patient with the new cabinet of President Muhammadu Buhari. Most importantly, be assured that this government will surely deliver! “Nothing good comes cheap. Sacrifices are required. By the time we pass through the foundation stage, Nigerians will see a new Nigeria! [news_in_pics style="2" display="tag" tag="APC" count="10" show_more="on" show_more_type="link"]

  • Senate probes fuel scarcity as NLC mobilises for protests

    Senate probes fuel scarcity as NLC mobilises for protests

    The Senate yesterday asked its Committee on Petroleum to investigate all issues associated with the scarcity of petroleum products.

    It urged the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and other stakeholders to continue with their push to stem the tide of the scarcity of petroleum products.

    Due to the urgency of the situation, the committee was given two weeks to report back to the Senate in plenary.

    The resolution to investigate the fuel scarcity followed a motion by Senator Barau Jibrin (Kano North) and 23 others.

    The motion also brought out a sharp division among senators on the issue of agitation for the removal of fuel subsidy.

    Jibrin, in his lead debate, noted the scarcity of petroleum products in major cities and towns around the country in recent weeks and the hardship the scarcity was inflicting on Nigerians.

    The Kano North lawmaker expressed worry that the scarcity was creating untold hardship on Nigerians who pay higher prices for the products, especially petrol.

    Jibrin said he was convinced the unhealthy situation was not in tune with the desire of the government to bring succour to Nigerians.

    He recalled that the problem of fuel scarcity had continued to remain as a recurring problem in the country.

    He noted that in line with the change mantra of the administration, it was time to put a final stop to the trend.

    Jibrin also expressed the desire of the legislature to demonstrate the will and capacity to work harmoniously with the executive branch of government to find final solution to the fuel scarcity in the country.

    Senator Olugbenga Ashafa  said the Senate should insist that the refineries should be fully revived.

    Senator Adamu Aliero noted that it had become imperative for the country to embrace the removal of fuel subsidy in form of full deregulation.

    Aliero added that individuals should also be allowed to import products and sell at their own prices.

    “It is time to support the executive to remove fuel subsidy. That is the only way to make petroleum products available.

    Senator Shehu Sani disagreed. He insisted that those advocating removal of subsidy must take cognisance of the social implications.

    Sani said that he was sure that Nigerians would oppose any form of removal of subsidy.

    Senator Emmanuel Paulker said that something was wrong with the supply chain.

    Senate President Abubakar Bukola Saraki said the issue of fuel scarcity should not be politicised because it affects the lives of every Nigerian.

    He said the Senate should take the passing of the Petroleum Industry Bill seriously as part of the means to solve the problem in the petroleum sector.

    The Senate commended President Muhammadu Buhari “for his diligence and uncommon commitment to resolving the intractable issues of petroleum products supply and distribution and commendable efforts made so far to clean up all institutions associated with the petroleum industry.

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) yesterday said its members  were warming up for a national protest against the inability of the government to bring an end to the perennial fuel scarcity in the country.

    They complained of worsening harsh economic condition complicated by the persistence fuel scarcity and unaffordable transport fares to their offices.

    The workers’ union executives , it was gathered yesterday, have been meeting to discuss the problem and mobilise members towards the industrial action.

    Some union leaders, who spoke with The Nation on condition of anonymity yesterday, warned that if nothing urgent was done to end the fuel scarcity there would be protests to end the suffering of the masses.

    The Oyo State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) , Comrade Waheed Olojede described the prevailing fuel scarcity as a national calamity.

    He advised the government at all tiers to urgently do something to bring an end to the perennial scarcity which he noted has brought the workers to their knees .

    He said “I want to see it as a national calamity and national crisis , and something urgent must be done”.

    He explained that workers could no longer go their offices because of increase in fares.

    The union, according to him, was discussing on how to handle the crisis, if nothing urgent is done by the government to end the suffering of Nigerians, especially the workers.

    “And all along I think the last time I spoke with the National President of NLC , we agreed that we have to do something very urgently to let the government know what Nigerians especially workers are facing in this time, and apart from the intervention of the NLC , the political class should begin to find a lasting solution to this perennial fuel crisis.

    “I think they should also understand that the essence of governance is to bring comfort to the citizenry , and that is why I said it is not enough for government at all tiers to fold their hands    even unconcerned about the plight of Nigerians, workers in particular.

    “Today, it is becoming too difficult for workers to get to their places of work especially at this crucial time when salaries are not paid as at when due. The position now is that government should rise up to the challenge and should do something very urgently to bring an end to this perennial fuel scarcity,” he said.

    The NLC also urged the Nigerian Governors’ Forum to stop playing with the lives of Nigerians.

    The NLC boss said: “I think the Nigerian Governors’ Forum also have a responsibility in this area because almost all states are affected these are issues we expect them to discuss on how to bring succour to Nigerians rather than going to discuss salary cut at this when everybody is almost walking corpse on the roads.“

     

  • Senate probes fuel scarcity

    The Senate on Tuesday asked its committee on petroleum to investigate all issues associated with the current scarcity of petroleum products in the country.

    The upper chamber mandated its committee on Petroleum (Downstream) to urgently determine how the legislature will collaborate with the executive arm of government to bring lasting solution to problem of fuel scarcity in the country.

    The Senate urged the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and other stakeholders to continue with their current push to stem the tide of fuel scarcity while the legislative and executive arms of government should continue their collaboration to find lasting solution to the problem.

    Due to the urgency of the situation, the committee was given two weeks to report back to the Senate in plenary.

    The resolution to investigate the fuel scarcity followed a motion by Senator Barau Jibrin (Kano North) and 23 others.

    The motion also brought out sharp division among the Senators on the agitation for removal of fuel subsidy.

    Jibrin in his lead debate noted the scarcity of petroleum products in major cities and towns around the country in recent weeks and the hardship the scarcity is inflicting on Nigerians.

    The Kano North lawmaker expressed worry that the scarcity is creating an untold hardship to Nigerians who have to pay higher prices for the products, especially petrol.

    Jibrin said he is convinced that the unhealthy situation is not in tune with the desire of the current government to bring succor to Nigerians in all spheres of their lives.

     

  • How Nigerians feel about fuel scarcity


    [news_box style="2" display="tag" link_target="_blank" tag="Fuel Scarcity, Fuel, Scarcity" count="6" show_more="on" show_more_type="link"]

  • NUPENG urges FG to fix refineries, address fuel scarcity

    NUPENG urges FG to fix refineries, address fuel scarcity

    The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) have urged the Federal Government to fix the four refineries in the country in other to curb constant fuel scarcity.

    The union also urged the government to ensure the protection of pipelines while curbing illegal bunkering.

    National President of the union, Igwe Achese, who said this on Sunrise Daily, a breakfast programme on Channels Television, on Monday, added that Nigeria would continue to experience scarcity of fuel because the distribution and marketing of the products have been mortgaged in the hands of few individuals.

    He said: “I have said clearly over some months that the scarcity we are experiencing today will continue because we have mortgaged the petroleum product distribution marketing system into private homes, individuals in the name of privatization.

    “What we need to do is one; put our refineries in other. And I ask myself how much that will cost us to carry out complete turnaround maintenance. Turnaround maintenance is between three to four months and you are aware that this turnaround maintenance has been an issue for the past 15 years. And every year we keep hearing we have spent so billion in turnaround maintenance and yet we are no there.

    “Two is to make sure that our pipelines are also been protected, very well secured and to make sure that petroleum products or crude oil are being haulage through these pipelines to the refineries.

    “And then we need to tackle illegal bunkering. Government should sit up in fighting illegal bunkering. I ask myself, ‘the vessels that are being used to carry or lift up this crude oil are they being charms that cannot be seen by the eyes? These are big vessels that are visible and can be seen.”

    Achese said that the Obasanjo administration introduced petroleum subsidy in 2006 as a measure to carry out turnaround maintenance on the refineries.

    He added that Nigeria now depended completely on the importation of petroleum products.

    Achese said: “Who introduced petroleum subsidy into the system and for what purposes? You and I know very well when subsidy was being introduced in 2006 he clearly stated the terms of why subsidy was being introduced. He said look let us see a turnaround of the refineries and for us to do a turnaround of the refineries let us a lot importation of fuel to come into this country as a stop gap measure not as a dependent processes.

    “Today it is a process we are depending on now. It was a stop gap measure and that stop gap measure today is no more a stop gap measure. We are now depending on importation of petroleum product completely. If you look at the current situation we are today, we are yet to be told the exact amount of money being paid as subsidy. Because there is subsidy in demurrage, we have subsidy in de- haulage.”

  • Fuel scarcity: Traditional rulers berate oil marketers

    Fuel scarcity: Traditional rulers berate oil marketers

    Paramount rulers under the auspices of Association of Royal Traditional Ruler of Nigeria have accused petroleum marketers of deliberately trying to frustrate efforts by President Muhammadu Buhari to make life better for Nigerians.

    Rising from their meeting in Abuja yesterday, the traditional rulers expressed concern over the recurring incidences of fuel scarcity across the country.

    They appealed to the marketers to refrain from activities that will jeopardise government efforts.

    The rulers, in a communiqué signed by the national chairman and Igwe of Umudioka Ancient Kingdom in Imo State and Secretary, Alhaji Abubakar Lawal, expressed confidence in the ability of Buhari to handle the affairs of the petroleum ministry.

    They said this was in view of the avalanche of fraud and mismanagement that has taken place in the ministry over the years.

    While appealing to Nigerians to avoid panic buying of petroleum products, they commended Buhari for appointing people of high calibre as ministers.

    They commended the president for reducing the number of ministries from 42 to 24, saying “this will result to greater efficiency, proper management and enhanced productivity.”

    They also praised the Federal Government’s policy on Single Treasury Account (TSA) which “is already yielding lots of dividends”.

    The royal fathers urged the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as well as the federal government “to ensure the fulfillment of their campaign promise of paying a paltry monthly sum of N5, 000 to every unemployed youth and aged person as social welfare.”

    They also asked the federal government to assign specific constitutional roles to traditional rulers, pointing out that this will add greater value to governance and strengthen the bond of national unity.

  • Petrol sells for N200 per litre in Umuahia

    Petrol sells for N200 per litre in Umuahia

    Some independent petroleum marketers in Umuahia are selling petrol for between N170 and N200 per litre even as the seeming scarcity of the commodity lingers on.

    However, at the black market located at strategic points in the Abia state capital, the commodity sells for N300 per litre.

    A correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), who monitored the situation in the area, reports that the few independent marketers selling the commodity at the approved pump price of N87 per litre are attracting long queues of vehicles as prospective buyers wait patiently for their turns to buy the commodity.

    Meanwhile, transport fare in the area has jumped by between 80 per cent and 100 per cent, depending on the distance, thereby forcing many commuters to resort to walking long distances.

    At the NNPC mega station located on the Umuahia end of the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway, scores of motorists and motorcyclists could be seen waiting to buy the commodity at the government-controlled price.

    A cross-section of the customers, who spoke with NAN, described the seeming scarcity as disturbing and a situation not expected during President Mohammadu Buhari’s administration.

    Augustine Okoronkwo, Steve Ahamefule, and Jenarius Ezeru, who claimed to have spent two days on the queue waiting to buy the commodity but to no avail, said that the situation had caused untold hardship to motorists.

    They, therefore, called on President Buhari to take urgent steps towards ensuring the availability of the commodity before the Christmas season.

    The Retail Sells Representative at the NNPC mega station, Mr Sampson Ene, told NAN that the station had sufficient stock, but expressed concern about what he called ‘’the disorderliness by some prospective customers.”

  • Fuel scarcity: Kachikwu assures on early solution

    Fuel scarcity: Kachikwu assures on early solution

    The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources and Group Managing Director (GMD) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Ibe Kachikwu has said that the Federal government is poised to bring to an end the fuel scarcity experienced around the country.

    Kachikwu, who made the promise Wednesday at an interactive session with House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream), however said vandalization of petroleum infrastructure over the years was played a major part.

    Kachikwu was represented by the Managing Director of the Kaduna Refinery and Petrochemical Company (KRPC), Engr Saidu Mohammed.

    Chairman of the Committee, Joseph Akinlaja (PDP, Ondo), who asked NNPC to act fast on bringing the fuel scarcity ordeal to an end, said it was unfortunate that the country was witnessing another fuel scarcity having gone through one earlier in the year.

    The Committee inquired from the management of NNPC how it intended to bring the situation under control, while seeking an enduring solution to the problem.

    In his contribution, the Deputy Chairman of the Committee, Danlami Mohammed Kurfi (APC, Katsina) posited that sabotage of government’s efforts in the petroleum industry should not be overlooked.

    “NNPC must therefore act fast on this matter to ameliorate the suffering of Nigerians that spent hours on queues nationwide in order to buy fuel,” he said.

    Another member of the committee, Jones Onyereri (PDP, Imo) told the NNPC delegation that with the intrigues surrounding the fuel matter, the best solution to the problem in the petroleum industry was privatization as done in the power sector.

    Responding, the Executive Director of Pipelines Operations of Petroleum Products Marketing Company (PPMC), Felix Wono said the the management is working round the clock to bring the situation to normalcy.

    He also revealed that the management is presently engaging all relevant stakeholders with a view to remedy the fuel scarcity.

    Saying that the management is concerned about the level of vandalization of petroleum infrastructures over the years, he said all identified areas relating to supply of petroleum products are being examined for a lasting solution.

  • NLC urges Buhari to end fuel scarcity

    NLC urges Buhari to end fuel scarcity

    THE Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has urged President Muhammadu Buhari administration to take urgent steps to stop fuel scarcity.

    It said no group or cartel, no matter how powerful, should be allowed to arm-twist government into doing its bidding.

    The NLC President, Ayuba Wabba, in a statement entitled: “Fuel Scarcity: Mr. President, Please Stop Mass Suffering of Nigerians”, said a situation where a few individuals hoarding petroleum products with a view to arm-twisting government to removing subsidy on petroleum products would not be accepted by Nigerians.

    Wabba said the congress would not allow any group to distract it from its struggle to have control over the operations of the sector, especially as it relates to full sufficiency in refining the petroleum products.

    The statement reads: “The Nigeria Labour Congress is outraged by the continuing incidences of fuel scarcity, resulting in skyrocketing prices and long queues spreading to different parts of the country.

    “We note that this is happening despite assurances from government and its agencies that there is enough fuel being distributed around the country and that citizens need not go into panic buying.

    “That the situation has not visibly improved after more than 72 hours of such assurance means that the marketers and other groups that have held the country hostage over the years for their unearned profiteering from the petroleum sector are still determined to continue as if it is business as usual.

    “It is completely unacceptable to us that Nigerians are forced to go through the perennial hardship, especially towards the end of the year, and now have to cough out between N130 – N300 per litre of petrol in different parts of the country, instead of the official N87 per litre price.

    “This for us shows a clear determination of the unpatriotic operators in the petroleum sector working to circumvent government regulation through blackmail and other unorthodox methods.”

    The NLC urged government to urgently address the issue of hoarding by marketers and others, accusing them of canvassing for deregulation in which government would hands-off regulating prices of petroleum products.

    “Given that petroleum products continue to be the artery of our economy, indeed our existence, it is naïve and foolhardy to expect that government will hands-off the downstream sector and allow for those whose sole purpose is profit-making to take over full control of determining the prices of these critical products.

    “They have done this and succeeded in the past, most particularly in the governments of former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, through blackmail and deliberate hoarding of petroleum products,” the statement said.

    The congress called on government, through the regulatory agencies like the Department of Petroleum Resource (DPR), to impose punitive sanctions on the perpetrators of the “artificial scarcity”.

    Wabba said the NLC was prepared to partner with the relevant regulatory and enforcement agencies to enforce the N87 per litre price regime.

    He called on state governors to join in enforcing the official price of products in their domains.

     

     

  • Fuel scarcity: Ogiemwonyi urges fuel landing cost review

    Fuel scarcity: Ogiemwonyi urges fuel landing cost review

    A former Group Executive Director (Exploration and Production), Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mr Chris Ogiemwonyi  has urged the Federal Government to review the landing cost of petrol as well as deregulate the downstream sector of the oil industry.

    Ogiemwonyi who is also a governorship aspirant said neighbouring countries such as Ghana, Benin Republic, Togo, Chad enjoy fuel subsidy paid by the Federal Government because of Nigeria’s porous border.

    Speaking with reporters in Benin, Edo State capital yesterday, he said there were some irregularities and deficiencies about the actual landing cost of petrol in the country.

    “During my period in the NNPC, we tried to look into the issue, the structure in the supply chain. I must tell you one thing, till Nigerians are prepared to do things courageously, we may never see an end to this.

    “Several governments have tried to see what the major problems were, one area they identified is that the decision will be based on the landing cost of petrol in the countrt.

    “My take on that is that there are issues, some wastage. We have heard of demurrage being paid for some ships at the wharf and they will all added to this landing cost.

    “On a global scale, my take on this is to deregulate. Let us pay the proper price of this product. Open the market, let there be more participants, more players.

    “If we deregulate, the subsidy we are doing now for  Ghana, Benin, Toko, Mali Chad and others will see us paying less price for the product.