CHIDI UGWU, ABUJA
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has clarified that the prices of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) are dictated by free market forces, as mandated by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
During an appearance on TVC News’ “Journalists’ Hangout,” Executive Vice President of Downstream, Mr. Adedapo Segun, highlighted that foreign exchange illiquidity significantly impacts fuel pricing.
Segun noted that the current fuel scarcity is expected to ease within days as more filling stations recalibrate to sell PMS.
He emphasized that the market has been deregulated, meaning that fuel prices are now influenced by market dynamics rather than government control.
He also mentioned that NNPC Ltd is anticipating the commencement of PMS lifting from the Dangote Refinery on September 15, which is expected to stabilize supply.
Segun reassured the public that NNPC is collaborating with marketers to ensure filling stations operate efficiently to meet demand and prevent product diversion, stating,
“The scarcity should ease in the next few days”.
“The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has stated that foreign exchange (forex) illiquidity has been a significant factor influencing the fluctuation in prices of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), which are governed by unrestricted free market forces, as provided for in the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
“Speaking on TVC News’ “Journalists’ Hangout” show on Thursday, the Executive Vice President of Downstream, NNPC Ltd, Mr. Adedapo Segun explained that the current fuel scarcity was expected to “subside in a few days as more stations recalibrate and begin selling PMS.”
“He said Section 205 of the PIA, which established NNPC Ltd, stipulated that petroleum prices were determined by unrestricted free market forces.
“According to him, “The market has been deregulated, meaning that petrol prices are now determined by market forces rather than by the government or NNPC Ltd. Additionally, the exchange rate plays a significant role in influencing these prices.”
“On the commencement of lifting PMS from the Dangote Refinery, Segun said that the NNPC Ltd was awaiting the September 15th timeline provided by the refinery.
“Segun, who said no right-thinking individual would be comfortable with the current fuel scarcity, added that the NNPC Ltd had nearly a thousand filling stations nationwide and was collaborating with marketers to “ensure that stations open early, close late, in order to maintain adequate fuel supply to meet the needs of Nigerians.”
“He assured Nigerians: “We are also engaging relevant authorities to ensure products diversions are prevented and timely deliveries to all stations are ensured. The scarcity should ease in the next few days as more stations recalibrate and begin operations” reads the NNPC statement in part.
