By Yemie Adeoye
IN an effort to free the country permanently from the shackles of incessant fuel scarcity, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC has concluded plans to acquire about 50 percent of the nations petrol stations which would be strategic in fuel dispensing to Nigerians during at all times.

The move which was disclosed by the Group General Manger, Group Public Affairs of the Corporation Dr. Levi Ajuonuma during a recent inspection of petrol stations in Lagos and Abuja is particulary targeted at checkmating future artificially induced fuel scarcity.

The Corporation also vowed to sustain and consolidate on the free flow of petroleum products across the country which was evident during the Yuletide and Sallah festivities.

According to him “For the first time in decades Nigerians witnessed zero disruptions in the availability of petroleum products in sharp contrast with the recent past when artificially induced fuel scarcity was a permanent fixture during the end of year and major religious festivities”.

Dr. Levi Ajuonuma further reiterated that the present Management of the NNPC under the watch of Engr. Austen Oniwon has resolved to ensure a sustained policy of zero tolerance for fuel scarcity during major festivities and indeed all year round.

Dr. Ajuonuma stated that the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison- Madueke has worked closely with the NNPC to ensure free flow of petroleum products throughout the country which characterized 2010 and efforts are being made to sustain this move all through 2011 and beyond.
“The NNPC’s New Year tiding to the nation is that Nigerians should be ready to enjoy unimpeded supply of petroleum products all year round. I make bold to put on record that the era of product scarcity is over,” Dr. Ajuonuma noted.
He again disclosed that the drive to expand the scope of operation of NNPC Retail received extra fillip during the year as the number of acquired and affiliate stations increased to 502.
The NNPC spokesman said the move is in furtherance of the strategic plan by the NNPC to own at least 50 percent of the entire filling stations in the country with the aim of squelching future artificially induced fuel scarcity.
Dr. Ajuonuma further revealed that as at close of work on 24th December, 2010, the PPMC had over 41 days sufficiency in premium motor spirit, 59 days supply of kerosene and over 30 days stock of diesel.
The NNPC spokesman averred that the huge stock of products banished every talk of fuel scarcity or thought of hoarding of petroleum products due to the perennial fear of the unknown which characterized past festive seasons.