License revocations loom as FG issues strong warning to Oil Marketers amid fuel scarcity

In response to the persistent fuel scarcity affecting Abuja, Niger, Nasarawa, Kaduna, and several other states, the Federal Government has issued a stern warning to oil marketers.

The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has threatened to revoke the licenses of marketers found guilty of stockpiling Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as gasoline.

The scarcity has led to numerous gas stations closing their doors due to inadequate supply, particularly impacting northern states where the situation has been most severe.

The NMDPRA’s warning comes amid growing concerns about the hoarding of fuel and the illegal sale of gasoline to illicit marketers, often distributed in jerrycans.

Ogbugo Ukoha, the Executive Director of Distribution Systems, Storage, and Retailing Infrastructure at NMDPRA, highlighted these issues during an inspection tour in Abuja.

In a video clip released by the regulator, Ukoha emphasized that any station found engaging in such practices would face immediate license revocation.

The Federal Government’s move aims to address the ongoing shortages and ensure that gasoline is distributed fairly and efficiently across the country. By targeting those involved in hoarding and illegal sales, the government hopes to alleviate the scarcity and stabilize fuel supply.

As the situation develops, the NMDPRA’s actions signal a more stringent approach to managing the nation’s fuel distribution network, reflecting the administration’s commitment to addressing the current fuel crisis.