Fuel Scarcity: Expose Economic Saboteurs, Reps Tell Security Agencies

Nigeria’s House of Representatives has called on relevant security agencies to fish out oil marketers and other economic saboteurs that are responsible for fuel scarcity across the country.

The lawmakers during the debate on the motion under ‘matters of urgent public importance’ sponsored by Hon. Leke Abejide, underscored the need for the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, as a sole importer to urgently ease off the embarrassing queues in fuel stations.

In his lead debate, Abejide who observed that the National Assembly had approved the money for the subsidy on petroleum products so as to mitigate unforeseen circumstances in the areas of shortage of the product, expressed concern over the impacts of fuel scarcity on the socio-economic activities and well-being of Nigerians across the country.

“The House recalls that over three months there has been persistent scarcity of PMS in many parts of the country and the situation appears to be getting worse.

“The House is aware that there are uneven pump prices being dispensed by the Filling Stations across the country which fuels speculations that the government may have begun to remove subsidies on petrol.

“The House is also aware that there is the allegation of drop in petrol supply to marketers by private depots which is creating a dangerous mindset in the country.

“The House is concerned that the current fuel crisis across the country may worsen in the days ahead with the introduction of an N16.00 per litre charge.

“The House is also concerned that another contributing factor to the scarcity of the product may be unconnected with the increased cost of hiring daughter vessels in the hike in litre charges which hitherto were paid in Naira but now being charged in US Dollars.

“The House is further concerned that the scarcity is associated with saboteurs among some of the key stakeholders who deliberately manipulated the system.

“The House is worried that due to the scarcity Nigerians are exposed to all sorts of hardships which has resulted in a hike in transportation fares and high cost of some major food items.

“The House is also worried that as a result of petrol scarcity Nigerians are not finding it easy in their day-to-day livelihood activities,” Hon. Abejide noted.

To this end, the House mandated the relevant House Committees to investigate the matter within 48 hours and report to the House.