- …Threatens to sanction marketers hoarding, diverting product
By Etuka Sunday
The Management of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) yesterday assured Nigerians of steady fuel supply throughout the expiration of the three-day strike action embarked upon by oil workers.
Recall, the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and the Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) yesterday embarked on three-day strike action to press home their demands over unfair labour practices.
In a statement by the Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, Ohi Alegbe the Corporation promised that the strike would not dislocate the robust distribution and sale of fuel to members of the public.
The Corporation, in a statement noted that it was in talks with the leadership of the unions who gave the assurance that they would not disrupt the fuel supply and distribution system as the strike was basically aimed at addressing the anti-labour issues by some of the International Oil Companies (IOCs).
The Corporation and its downstream subsidiary, the Pipelines and Products Marketing Company (PPMC) also revealed that it has over 32 days stock of petroleum products available for supply across the
nation during the Yuletide season and beyond. The Corporation also disclosed 17 additional petroleum laden vessels are at the Lagos Port waiting to discharge to the various depots for onward distribution to members of the public.
It further assured that everything was being done to ensure that there was no hitch whatsoever in the supply system that could bring any form of hardship to motorists and those who intend to travel during the period.
The Corporation called on members of the public to avoid panic buying or stock piling of petroleum products as that could lead to needless queues or cause fire accidents that could lead to loss of lives and property.
The Corporation also advised marketers to desist from hoarding or diversion of petroleum products as any marketer caught in the act would be sanctioned.
