Facts have emerged over the main reason behind the fuel scarcity ravaging the country. The development has been attributed to an off-spec premium motor spirit (PMS) or substandard petroleum product in circulation which the authorities are trying to mop up.
The off-spec PMS is a form of petroleum with high Sulphur which does not meet the required standard. Over 100m litres of the off-spec PMS is said to be in circulation. Motorists who have consumed this product have reported damage to their vehicles. However, it is not all their stations that are affected, it was learnt.
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A source who spoke on the development said, “Over 100m litres are in circulation and it may take a while to recall because of the volume. This is why many marketers have shut their stations against motorists who are now scrambling at the few stations that are dispensing the product.”
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority have also confirmed the development in a statement this evening. It stated that the limited quantity of PMS with methanol quantities above Nigeria’s specification was discovered in the supply chain.
The statement read, “Methanol is a regular additive in Petrol and usually blended in an acceptable quantity.”
“To ensure vehicular and equipment safety, the limited quantity of the impacted product has been isolated and withdrawn from the market, including the loaded trucks in transit. 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. Meanwhile, NNPC has intensified efforts at increasing the supply of Petrol into the market in order to bridge any unforeseen supply gap,” the statement further read.
