The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) says hoarding of petroleum by marketers was responsible for the product scarcity currently being faced by Nigerians.

“We understand that the current situation is as a result of petroleum products hoarding,” NLC President Ayuba Wabba said on Wednesday while condemning the current petrol scarcity that has exposed millions of Nigerians to great hardship.

Mr Wabba, said this on Wednesday in Abuja, in a statement entitled; “’The Position of Nigerian Workers on Festering Issues of National Importance”.

The labour leader  called on “all petrol marketers to show sensitivity to the difficulties being faced by the generality of Nigerians and ensure prompt discharge of petrol to consumers.”

He further called on regulatory agencies of government to rein in the activities of “unscrupulous petroleum products marketers, who go devilish miles to make dishonest gains and at the detriment of their fellow citizens.”

Fuel scarcity around the country escalated after adulterated petrol was released into the market last week. NNPC blamed some importers for the melee and recalled the unwholesome commodity from the market.

Despite assurance, supply of petrol has significantly fallen short of the demand, causing panic buying and attendant price hike.