From Uche Usim, Abuja
For the umpteenth time, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) yesterday dispelled rumours that it was tinkering with the idea of hiking the prices of petroleum products, especially petrol, ahead of the yuletide season.
In a statement released in Abuja Monday, the national oil company said the prices of petroleum products both at the ex-depot level and pump price remain intact, even as it warned motorists and other consumers against panic buying.
According to the NNPC Spokesman, Ndu Ughamadu, the ex-depot petrol price remains N133.38 per litre, while the pump price stands at N143/N145 per litre.
He added that the Corporation has enough stock of fuel to ensure seamless supply and distribution of products across the country. NNPC enjoined motorists and other users of petroleum products to disregard trending rumours of an impending fuel price hike in some online news platforms.
the NNPC said it has the full commitment of all downstream stakeholders including petroleum marketers and industry unions to cooperate in achieving zero fuel scarcity this season and beyond.
“Motorists should not engage in panic buying or indulge in the dangerous practice of stocking petroleum products in jerry cans at home.
“NNPC and its downstream subsidiary companies namely the Petroleum Products Marketing Company (PPMC) and NNPC Retail Limited are fully geared up to ensure that motorists enjoy uninterrupted access to petrol throughout the nation”, he said.