Nigerian National Petrleum Corporation (NNPC) on Wednesday debunked rumours of imminent increase in the pump price of petroleum products.
This is coming on the heels of resurgence of long queues at filling stations, especially in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and its environs.
The situation has led to product hoarding and panic buying, culminating in the buildup of the queues.
Group General Manager, Public Affairs Division of the corporation, Livi Ajuonuma, in a statement in Abuja, said “our inspection team has been mobilised to ensure that fuels are dispensed at the fuel filling stations in line with stipulated guidelines and regulations.
“We wish to assure the general public that there is no plan both now and in the immediate future to increase prices of petroleum products.
“It is also gratifying to inform the consuming public that the local refineries in Warri and Kaduna which had been out of operations for almost two years due to pipeline vandalism are due to begin operations later this month.”
He stated that the country is comfortable with stocks of petroleum products nationwide.
Ajuonuma warned that “any marketer or filling station caught hoarding, diverting or selling products to hawkers will not only be summarily sanctioned but stands the risk of being blacklisted.”
Ajuonuma, therefore, advised the general public not to engage in panic buying or hoarding as there is adequate stock of the products.