The federal government through the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority has confirmed that petrol, with methanol quantities above Nigeria’s specification, was found in the supply chain.
NMDPRA made this known in a statement issued on Tuesday.
NMDPRA said the presence of adulterated petrol, fuel was discovered in the supply chain, which it decided to withdraw from the market, leading to fuel scarcity.
Fuel scarcity had spread across several places in Lagos, Abuja, Niger, Nasarawa, among others in the last few days with long queues at filling stations.
It noted that the supplier had equally been identified and would be sanctioned.
The government assured that the limited quantity of the affected product has been withdrawn from the market .
It also assured that oil marketers had been directed to ensure sufficient supply of petrol in all outlets all over the country.
The statement reads, “NMDPRA wishes to inform the public that a limited quantity of petrol with methanol quantities above Nigeria’s specification was discovered in the supply chain.
“Methanol is a regular additive in petrol and usually blended in an acceptable quantity.
“To ensure vehicular and equipment safety the limited quantity of the impacted product has been isolated and withdrawn from the market including loaded trucks in transit.”
The government assured that a technical team in conjunction with NNPC will monitor and ensure quality [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.
“Meanwhile, NNPC Ltd has intensified efforts at increasing the supply of petrol into the market in order to bridge any unforeseen supply gap.”
