The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has said that low loadouts at depots are likely responsible for the fuel queues at petrol stations in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

The NNPC spokesperson, Garba Deen Muhammad, made this known via a statement issued on Sunday.

Muhammad stated that purchases by residents, who recently returned after the public holidays to mark Workers’ Day and Eid-el-Fitr celebration, also contributed to the long queues of vehicles at various filling stations that resurfaced in Abuja over the weekend.

He noted that the NNPC and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) have taken necessary measures to address the situation, urging motorists not to engage in panic buying.

The statement read: “The NNPC Ltd notes the sudden appearance of fuel queues in parts of Abuja. This is very likely due to low loadouts at depots which usually happen during long public holidays, in this case, the Sallah celebrations.

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“Another contributing factor to the sudden appearances of queues is the increased fuel purchases which is also usual with returning residents of the FCT from the public holidays.

“NNPC and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), in conjunction with our marketing partners, have taken necessary measures to ramp up loadouts from all depots.

“We assure all residents of the FCT, and indeed all Nigerians, that we have ample local supplies and national stock in excess of 2.5 billion liters, with sufficiency of more than 43 days.

“The NNPC Ltd hereby advises motorists not to engage in panic buying as supplies are adequate as will become increasingly evident in the coming days,” the NNPC spokesman stated.

The Star