The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has identified distribution challenges as the cause of the ongoing petrol scarcity affecting Lagos, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and other regions of the country. This was disclosed in a statement released on Sunday by NNPCL’s spokesperson, Olufemi Soneye.

The fuel shortage, which has worsened over the past few days, has led to long queues at filling stations, creating significant disruptions for motorists and businesses alike. NNPCL, the sole importer of petrol in Nigeria, reassured the public that it is working round the clock to resolve the situation and restore normal fuel supply by midweek.

“The NNPC Ltd regrets the tightness in fuel supply witnessed in some parts of Lagos and the FCT, which is a result of distribution challenges,” the statement read. The company also urged motorists to avoid panic buying, as efforts are being made in collaboration with stakeholders in the oil and gas sector to address the issue swiftly.

This statement follows a warning issued by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to filling stations, cautioning them against the illegal sale of petrol amid the ongoing scarcity. NNPCL’s commitment to resolving the crisis is expected to bring relief to the affected areas in the coming days.