A Nigerian government firm, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (The Authority) has announced that limited quantity of 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.
The statement released on Wednesday to explain the resurface of long queues at petrol stations in Lagos and Abuja since Monday, the agency said that the limited quantity of the impacted product had been isolated and withdrawn from the market, including the loaded trucks in transit to ensure vehicular and equipment safety.
“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,” the statement said.
It added that the NNPC has intensified efforts at increasing the supply of petrol into the market in order to bridge any unforeseen supply gap.
GIK/APA