The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) says it has stepped up collaboration with the Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN) to end fuel queues in some major cities in the country.

This is contained in a statement signed by Mr Ohi Alegbe, NNPC Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division on Monday.

Alegbe also promised that the corporation would collaborate with other downstream industry players to end the resurgence of fuel queues in Lagos and environs.

He said the corporation had secured the commitment of the leadership of MOMAN for effective collaboration in this regard.

Alegbe assured that the queues would disappear in the days as supplies had been increased across the country.

To achieve this, he said the truck-out to filling stations in the Lagos area had been increased from the regular 245 to 295 trucks per day (9.7 million litres)

He added that truck-out to fuel stations in Abuja from Suleja depot had been stepped up to 210 trucks per day (6.9million litres) from the regular supply of 160 trucks.

“Similar increment in supply volume has been activated in the Port Harcourt, Calabar, Kano and Kaduna areas to ensure seamless availability of petroleum products in every nook and cranny of the country.”

Alegbe called for understanding and support from members of the public.

He assured that the corporation would do everything possible to end the prevailing challenges experienced by motorists, commuters and the general public in accessing petrol.

“Within the last 48 hours we have received six cargoes of petrol (270 million litres) and beginning from March 1, we shall begin to receive one cargo of petrol every day (45 million litres).”

He reported the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, as directing the full activation of an Intra-Ministerial Joint Monitoring Task Force.

Alegbe said this was to enforce compliance to laid down rules and regulations governing the supply and distribution of petroleum products.

He said the task force included officials of Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) and Pipelines and Products Marketing Company (PPMC).

Meanwhile, NAN reports that queues had built up in most filling stations in FCT.

However, most of the stations were seen dispensing the product.

At NNPC, AA Rano, Mobil, MRS stations on kubwa expressway, there was minimal queue with motorists being attended to.

A staff member at the NNPC station who preferred anonymity, said there were enough products to serve customers.

“We have products; we just notice that people suddenly started rushing in; I don't understand. Our management has instructed us to make sure we dispense to them.”

However, Conoil opposite NNPC towers in the Central Business District witnessed a long queue while the queues at Total and Oando in wuse zone 5 were minimal.

Also, queue at Conoil and Forte oil at Jabi and Mabushi was minimal.

Mrs Esther Ukaeje, a motorist, told NAN that it was unfortunate that Nigerians continued to suffer on queue for petrol.

“I have to abandon what I am doing to come and make sure I get petrol in my car.”

Ukaeje called on relevant authorities to address the issue of petrol scarcity to lessen the suffering of the people.

Also, Umaru Ibrahim, another motorist, urged the NNPC to redouble its effort to ensure availability of the product.

“We don’t need this hardship; the whole of last year it was petrol problem.

“I appreciate government’s effort but I do not think it is enough.” (NAN)