The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), on Thursday, appealed to members of the public to avoid panic buying fuel as all efforts are being made to resolve fuel shortage in some filling stations.
However, it blamed the recent shortage in fuel supply on the current flooding in Lokoja, Kogi State capital, adding that the flooding has caused the current fuel scarcity in Abuja and other states in the North.
In a statement on Thursday, NMDPRA, stated that the development had affected the distribution of petroleum products to the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, and environs.
It said water has submerged a greater part of the city and grounded all vehicular movements, adding that as part of measures to mitigate the situation, trucking via alternative routes is currently ongoing.
According to the statement, the Authority assured the public that there are sufficient petroleum products inland, pleading with the general public to avoid panic buying at fuel stations as the NMDPRA is working assiduously with relevant stakeholders and government agencies to ensure product availability across the country.
It advised marketers to desist from hoarding the product to not inflict hardship on Nigerians.
It further reiterated its commitment to Nigerians to ensure the seamless supply and distribution of petroleum products nationwide.
