Fuel scarcity: Reps summon Petroleum Resources Minister

By Christiana Ekpa

The House of Representatives, Tuesday summoned the Minister of Petroleum Resources and all relevant stakeholders in the Petroleum industry to appear before the Assembly and brief Nigerians on the measures put in place to end the current fuel scarcity and avert its reoccurrence in the future.
The resolution was sequel to the adoption of a motion of Urgent Public Importance on “The Need To Address The Lingering Fuel Scarcity And Rising Retail Prices Of Premium Motor Spirit (Pms) Across Nigeria”, by Rep. Umar Shehu Ajilo on Tuesday at plenary.
The motion reads: “Worried by the lingering fuel scarcity accompanied by excessive increase in retail price of Premium Motor Spirit in filling stations across the country which has no doubt occasioned additional hardship to the Nigerian citizens.
“Concerned that this fuel scarcity is coming at a time when the adverse economic effect caused by subsidy removal and soaring inflation is yet to be addressed by the government, not to mention the deteriorating income of the Nigerian masses.
“Further concerned that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Ltd is yet to address this perennial and persistent fuel scarcity problem faced by Nigerians despite the volume of resources at its disposal.
“Most worrisome that all these economic quagmires have made the lives of average Nigerians unbearable with a litre of fuel selling as much as N1200 in some states of the Federation.
“This 10th Assembly must rise to the occasion to ensure that lasting measures are taken to address this unfortunate and embarrassing situation permanently in the interest of all Nigerians”.
Mr. Ajilo prayed the House to invite the Honourable Minister of Petroleum Resources and all relevant stakeholders in the Petroleum industry to appear before the assembly and brief Nigerians on the measures put in place to end the current fuel scarcity and avert its reoccurrence in the future.