Sequel to Tuesday’s hike in the pump price of fuel, President Bola Tinubu on Thursday directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to meet with the Minister of State (Petroleum) Heineken Lokpobiri and the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari at the State House, Abuja
Also at the meeting were the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nubu Ribadu and the Executive Director of Nigeria Mainstream, Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Mr Kalu Okuoha.
Speaking with reporters after the meeting, Lokpobiri said “The Vice President summoned us and we’ve been with him to brief him about what is going on across the country. And what is important is for us to convey to Nigerians that the President is empathetic about what is going on in the country. He is concerned about the hardship of Nigerians, and that was why he directed the Vice President to call this meeting, for us to reflect on what is going on in the country.
“What is important is that products are available in the country, and we believe that between now and the weekend, there will be availability of products across the length and breadth of the country.
“The price could be high in some other areas, much more higher in some other locations, and in some locations, much more than you know other areas.
“But we believe that by the time there is availability of products across the country, the price itself will stabilize.
“But what is important is that government is not fixing prices. This sector is deregulated. And we believe that with the availability of products, the price will find its level. And this is important for Nigeria to know.
“The summary is that President is empathetic about what’s going on. That’s why he directed this meeting. There is enough product in the country to be able to meet the demands of Nigerians. There should be no panic buying. And we also believe that Nigerians need to know that government is not fixing prices. That is what I want to convey to Nigerians.”
On his part, Executive Director of NMDPRA, Okuoha said “All regulatory efforts are now geared towards stabilizing supply, with a resultant impact that it will be positive also on the stability of price.
“To that objective, the regulator is ensuring that there’s increased operating hours from all loading depots; vessels are being cleared promptly and extended hours where safety can permit for truck-outs as well.
“More importantly also is the reinforcement of the support being given to local refiners because with increased production from them, indeed, like the minister, has said, there will be higher supply, which will stabilize the price. That’s the effort that the regulator is making.”
Deji Elumoye
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