The much-anticipated meeting between the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) and government officials regarding the suspension of petroleum product loading activities concluded without resolution, leading to the reappearance of fuel queues across the nation.

Despite the presence of key stakeholders, including the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, representatives from NARTO, oil marketers, and regulatory authorities, the meeting failed to yield a breakthrough. NARTO’s decision to direct its members to withdraw their trucks from loading activities due to operational losses sparked the deadlock.

In a letter dated February 15, NARTO’s National President, Othman Yusuf, outlined the dire financial situation faced by its members, citing operational costs exceeding revenue. Despite extensive efforts to engage government officials and industry stakeholders, including letters to high-ranking authorities, NARTO lamented the lack of meaningful responses or interventions.

Yusuf highlighted the discrepancy between operational costs and freight rates, emphasizing the unsustainable nature of current arrangements. He outlined specific financial challenges, including the disparity between freight rates and actual expenses incurred in fuel distribution, further exacerbating the financial strain on transporters.

Meanwhile, in Abuja, fuel scarcity intensified, with many stations unable to dispense Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and those in operation facing long queues and inflated prices. The situation underscored the immediate impact of the deadlock on fuel supply and accessibility, prompting concerns among citizens.

Despite the impasse, Minister Lokpobiri acknowledged the gravity of the situation and assured continuous engagement to address the challenges faced by transporters. He emphasized the government’s commitment to mitigating the adverse effects on Nigerians and expressed optimism about finding a mutually beneficial solution.

The failure to reach an agreement between NARTO and government officials has reignited fuel scarcity, amplifying the challenges faced by Nigerians. As stakeholders continue negotiations, urgent action is needed to resolve this and restore stability to the fuel supply chain, safeguarding the welfare of citizens.

Author: Deborah Oyinloye

With an interest in media, Deborah aims to impart the lives of people positively.

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