By John Ikani
The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) says the massive flooding of Lokoja is responsible for the return of queues to fuel stations in the federal capital territory (FCT) and its environs.
The agency on Thursday said in a statement floods have submerged a greater part of the city and grounded all vehicular movements, affecting the distribution of products.
“This, unfortunately, has affected the distribution of petroleum products to the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja and environs,” it said.
It however noted that the movement of petrol products is ongoing via alternative routes as part of measures to mitigate the situation.
While advising Nigerians to avoid panic-buying, the regulator assured that there are still sufficient petroleum products inland.
It also urged petroleum marketers to desist from hoarding the product so as not to inflict hardship on Nigerians.
“The Authority wishes to reiterate its commitment to Nigerians to ensure seamless supply and distribution of Petroleum Products nationwide,” NMDPRA said.
What you should know
Parts of Kogi and Benue States have in recent days be flooded due to incessant rain and release of water from the upper Lado dam in Cameroun.
This is a yearly occurrence at this time of the year when most dams in Nigeria and neighouring countries like Cameroun and Niger are over filled with water.
This has occasioned yearly release of water from these dams to avoid them breaking their backs.
Several African countries are experiencing unusual torrential rains – often leading to devastating floods.
Experts partly attribute this to the impact of climate change.
Poor infrastructure and a lack of mitigating measures are also believed to be contributing to the huge levels of destruction.
