The Department of Petroleum Resources says queues observed in some filling stations in Maiduguri are caused by motorists’ panic buying on the assumption that the price of petrol would soon increase.

Ibrahim Ciroma, North-East Zonal Operations Controller of DPR, told the News Agency of Nigeria in Maiduguri on Friday that the assumption was unfounded because Maiduguri received between 15 and 20 trucks of petrol daily.

Mr. Ciroma urged motorists not to panic as the DPR was on top of the situation.

According to him, there is no cause for alarm.

“Maiduguri receives between 15 and 20 trucks of petrol daily, and we are monitoring all filling stations to ensure that no one hoards or sells above the official pump price of N162 per litre.

“I have called the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) in the state to appeal against any malpractice from the members.

“IPMAN has also constituted a committee to ensure its members sell at the approved price, and nobody is hoarding the commodity,” Mr. Ciroma added.

The controller reiterated the commitment of DPR to ensure a steady supply of fuel to Borno.

He said to ensure there were no hitches, DPR workers directed to stay at home because of the COVID-19 pandemic were recalled to monitor filling stations effectively. 

(NAN)