Nigerian Government Cracks Down on Illegal Fuel Sales Amid Ongoing Scarcity

The Federal Government, through the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), has issued a stern warning to petrol retailers against illegal sales as fuel scarcity continues in Abuja, Nasarawa, and Niger states.

In a statement posted on its official X account, NMDPRA cautioned retail outlets to avoid supplying black marketers and illegal sellers. The authority emphasized its commitment to combating the unauthorized sale of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), particularly in jerrycans.

“NMDPRA is taking decisive action against the illegal sale of petroleum products. Retailers must stop servicing unauthorized vendors or face the suspension of their retail licenses,” the statement read.

This warning comes amid worsening fuel shortages in the nation’s capital. As of Friday, many filling stations were closed, and only a few, such as those operated by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) along Kubwa Expressway, were dispensing fuel. This situation has resulted in long queues at the few stations still operational.

The NNPCL had earlier attributed the scarcity to operational delays with some vessels, but the issue persists. Last month, PETROAN President Billy Gillis-Harry called for the establishment of a special task force to address the recurring fuel shortages in Nigeria.