By John Ikani
The Federal Government has disclosed that the reason for the fuel scarcity in some states in the country is due to an unsafe quantity of methanol above Nigerian specifications discovered in the supply chain.
The Government said methanol, a substance that is usually present in petrol, found in the product exceeded Nigeria’s specification.
The development, according to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has led to the affected fuel being kept off the supply chain, creating scarcity and resultant long queues at fueling stations in Abuja, Lagos and other major cities in the country.
The Authority added that the impacted products have been isolated and withdrawn from the market.
What the NMDPRA is saying about the adulterated product:
The NMDPRA stated that Methanol is a regular additive in petrol and is usually blended in an acceptable quantity. It said this was caused by methanol quantitates above Nigeria’s specification discovered in the supply chain.
“To ensure vehicular and equipment safety, the limited quantity of the impacted products has been isolated and withdrawn from the market, including the loaded trucks in transit,” it said.
They also added that their technical team in conjunction with NNPC will continue monitoring the situation and ensure petroleum products are adequately supplied.
“The source supplier has been identified and further commercial and appropriate actions shall be taken by the authority and NNPC ltd,” it added.
The statement disclosed that NNPC Ltd and all oil marketing companies to sustain sufficient distribution of petrol in all retail outlets nationwide.
