NMDPRA Assures No Fuel Scarcity, Warns Against Hoarding as Surveillance Tightens in Rivers.
…..marks 4th year anniversary of the NMDPRA
The South-South Coordinator of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Engr. Victor Ohwodiasa, has assured Nigerians, particularly residents of Rivers State, that there will be no scarcity of petroleum products during the festive season. He cautioned marketers against hoarding or creating artificial shortages, stressing that the Authority has intensified surveillance and will deal decisively with any dealer found engaging in non-compliance.
Engr. Ohwodiasa gave the assurance on the sidelines of the 4th anniversary of the NMDPRA, where he reaffirmed that all necessary arrangements have been put in place to maintain steady availability of PMS, AGO and LPG throughout the period. He urged the public to avoid panic buying, noting that a formal advisory has already been issued to discourage activities capable of disrupting supply.
Speaking further, he addressed growing public concern about the rising cost of gas. He explained that while Nigeria is expanding its gas utilization programme, the pricing structure remains driven by market forces due to the full deregulation of the sector. According to him, the willing-buyer, willing-seller model now determines the cost of petroleum products, including LPG.
He highlighted significant progress made by the Authority since its establishment, including increased investor confidence in gas commercialization projects. “Companies that once flared gas are now converting it into valuable products, while the Federal Government’s gas expansion programme is pushing for wider accessibility, affordability, and environmental sustainability”, he said.
Engr. Ohwodiasa added that the NMDPRA has adopted modern technology to streamline operations, with most regulatory applications now processed online—reducing physical interface and ensuring faster turnaround for licenses and permits.
He described the Authority’s four-year journey as one marked by stability in product supply, enhanced energy security, and a clear path toward a world-class regulatory framework in the midstream and downstream sector.