NIPCO releases 49.5 million litres of fuel, imports 28 million metric tons

The Nigerian Independent Petroleum Company (NIPCO) Plc on Monday released some 49.5 million litres of petroleum products nationwide, in a bid to end the prevailing fuel scarcity.

The company also imported additional 28 million metric tons of fuel. An import manifest at the Apapa Port showed that the vessel carrying the fuel arrived in Nigeria on MT Admiral on May 27.

NIPCO said that the 28 million metric tons of petroleum products which started discharging on May 29 would complement the efforts of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation to stock fuel.

NIPCO’s Manager Corporate Affairs, Mr Taofeek Lawal said on telephone that the company’s importation drive was to ensure availability of petroleum products for Nigerians.

He said that NIPCO would remain an ally with the Federal Government in ensuring availability of petroleum products nationwide.

Meanwhile, a check at NIPCO’s terminal in Lagos showed that about 1, 500 trucks have already lifted products from the company’s depot.
Lawal said that the company was working round the clock to dispense products to marketers after they must have concluded clearance with relevant agencies.

“Consignment will definitely aid the flow of products to marketers’ outlets across the nooks and crannies of the country,” Lawal said.

He said the cargo was one of the consignments the company placed order for as part of its bid to ensure continuous availability of petrol.

According to Lawal, this will not only be in hundreds of branded outlets in Nigeria but also in other marketing outlets taking products from the NIPCO’s depot.

He said the lifting of petroleum products had continued ceaselessly in a bid to lessen the agonies of Nigerians in recent times.

Lawal assured that the arrival of imported petroleum products by NIPCO would put smiles on the faces of Nigerians.

“The dream of investors in the company who are mainly fuel marketers has been the driving force of the organisation, hence its quest to go the extra mile in getting products that will keep their stations running.

“In 2015 and beyond, we intend to enhance our product importation both for regulated and deregulated products.
“This is to meet fuel marketers’ needs and prepare adequately for the upcoming reforms in the oil and gas industry,” he said. (NAN)